You'll never walk alone: Fans flock to Sean Cox tribute match
Tens of thousands of fans descended on the Aviva Stadium last night to raise money for a fellow football fan.
Liverpool supporter Sean Cox suffered a serious brain injury in an attack by an Italian hooligan last year.
The Legends For Sean Cox match, organised by his beloved Anfield side, saw Liverpool FC Legends take on a Republic of Ireland XI Legends team to raise money for The Sean Cox Rehabilitation Trust.
Kenny Dalglish led a star-studded Liverpool team against Ireland stars of yesteryear, managed by current international boss Mick McCarthy, and featuring Robbie Keane, Sean St Ledger, Ray Houghton, and a host of other big names.
President Michael D Higgins attended the game and met Mr Cox’s wife and children Jack, Shauna, and Emma on the pitch, as thousands of fans sang Liverpool anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
A statement from Mr Cox’s wife Martina read: “The last 12 months have not been easy for us, but what has helped us get through this difficult journey has been the outpouring of support and genuine concern for Sean.
“For this, we will always be thankful. We are filled with gratitude and feel truly blessed.
“A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this special day, it will stay with us for a very long time.”
Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster, marking 30 years since the tragedy on Monday, April 15.
Mr Cox, 54, from Co Meath, who continues his rehabilitation in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire is a former company director from Dunboyne.
He suffered major head trauma when he was struck in an unprovoked assault by a masked AS Roma supporter outside Anfield last April.
In February, Simone Mastrelli, 30, was jailed for three-and-a-half years after pleading guilty at Preston Crown Court to unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Last night’s match was Mr Cox’s first appearance in public since the attack. He watched the game from a private viewing box.
When an image of him was projected on to a screen, the crowds erupted in applause.
Mr Cox will leave the Dun Laoghaire facility in June, and will spend a number of months in a rehabilitation centre in the UK, with his family moving with him.
Funds raised by the game will go towards the care he will need for the rest of his life.
To find out more about his journey, or make a donation, visit www.supportsean.com.
