Sheffield United will be wearing black armbands in their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Blades take on Newcastle in the 4.30pm kick-off at Bramall Lane as they seek their first win of the season.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side have lost four and drawn one of their five league games so far.
Why are Sheffield United wearing black armbands?
The Blades are paying tribute to midfielder Maddy Cusack, who died last week at the age of 27.
As well as being the longest-serving member of Sheffield United’s women’s team, Cusack also worked in the club’s marketing department and was described as a “lovely girl” by former captain Billy Sharp.
Cusack’s picture also appears on the front of the matchday programme on Sunday and a dedicated space has been set up outside Bramall Lane for supporters to pay their respects.
The club have also asked supporters to take their seats 15 minutes before kick-off to pay tribute.
Sheffield United statement
Sheffield United released the following statement on Sunday: “Ahead of the Newcastle game, we will celebrate & honour the life of Maddy Cusack, a loved & respected figure of the Sheffield United family.
“There will forever be a void in the hearts of everyone connected to the club & a number of activities have been planned to remember her.
“We would politely ask supporters to be in their seats for 4.15pm to partake.”
What else has been said about Maddy Cusack?
Heckingbottom said the club was “suffering” following Cusack’s death.
“First and foremost everyone’s thoughts are with Maddy’s friends and family, a lot of Maddy’s friends work at this football club,” he said on Friday.
“Maddy, especially in my time here, has been a big part of everything, a senior figure among the women’s team and the media team as well.
“Everyone would see her about all the time. It’s tough and we need to make sure everyone is OK at the club and we all support each other because it is sad, sad news.
“[Chief executive] Steve Betts called me yesterday and it knocked me back a bit, I’ll admit. As much as we are preparing for a huge, huge game and wanting to get on with everything, it has affected a lot of people.
“Maddy has been to so many people in the club, there are a lot of people suffering and feeling it, without a doubt.
“We look after everyone here, but first and foremost we are thinking of Maddy’s family. And we send them our best.”
Sharp, the former captain of United’s men’s team, paid his own tribute to Cusack on social media.
“Such a lovely girl. Enjoyed some amazing times with Maddy and the Blades. Such a sad loss. RIP Maddy,” he posted on X.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out also said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of her death and the Lionesses wore black armbands in their clash against Scotland on Friday night.
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