Greece pays tribute to George Baldock at 1st home game since his death

by · Mail Online

Greece players and fans paid tribute to the late George Baldock on Sunday at their first home game since his death at the age of 31.

The former Sheffield United star - who was born in England but had played international football for Greece since 2022 - was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9.

He had been playing for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek champions from the Blades in May. 

Greece's match against Republic of Ireland on Sunday was preceded by an emotional minute of silence, which was observed impeccably by both sets of fans.

Baldock's former international team-mates also held up a shirt printed with his name and number during their pre-game team photo.

Greece's players pictured posing for a pre-match team photo ahead of Sunday's game against Ireland, while displaying the shirt of the late George Baldock following his death aged 31
Ireland's players pictured during a minute's silence before Sunday night's match in Piraeus
The minute's silence was observed impeccably by both sets of players and supporters

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All of the players also wore black armbands, as did the referee and his team of officials. 

The crowd's silence was accompanied by sombre and reflective music, which was played on a low volume by stadium speakers.

Multiple shirts featuring Baldock's name and the No 2 were seen being held up by fans, while chants of 'Baldock, Baldock' rang around the ground before kick-off.

Those chants continued after the match had started.

Meanwhile, fans behind one of the goals at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium unfurled a banner featuring Baldock's name.

Greece went on to beat Ireland 2-0 to maintain their perfect Nations League record, and their players held up a shirt with Baldock's name on the back after the final whistle as they dedicated the victory to their former team-mate. 

News of Baldock's death broke less than 24 hours before Greece's away game against England in London on Thursday. 

All of the players involved in Sunday's game between Greece and Ireland wore black armbands
Baldock pictured in 2020 when he was playing for Sheffield United in the Premier League
Baldock pictured playing for Panathinaikos earlier this month, just days before his death

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Greece won that game 2-1 before celebrating at Wembley by holding up a shirt bearing Baldock's name.

'Georgey, this is for you!' defender Lazaros Rota shouted down the camera at the end of the match.

There had also been pre-match tributes at the Wembley match, where both sets of players wore black armbands and observed another minute of silence.

Manchester City youngster James McAtee - who played alongside Baldock during a loan spell at Sheffield United - then dedicated his two goals to his late former team-mate after starring in England U21's 2-1 win over Ukraine on Friday.

Baldock began his career with MK Dons. The Buckinghamshire club paid tribute to him ahead of Saturday's League Two game at home to Port Vale. 

James McAtee paid a tribute to Baldock after scoring two goals for England U21s on Friday
Baldock pictured hugging team-mate McAtee back in November 2022 when they were playing together for Sheffield United 

A minute's silence was held before Saturday's game at Stadium MK, with players from both teams wearing black armbands, while a shirt with 'Baldock 2' on the back was placed in the home dugout.

Dons supporters also paid tribute to Baldock, with one fan displaying an England flag which included the message 'George Baldock RIP, MK legend'.