Friend's tribute to football fan who died at match

A Manchester City fan has described the last time he saw his match-day friend of 30 years alive before his death at their team's clash with Manchester United.

Life-long club supporter and Royal Engineers veteran Les Sparrow died after a medical incident at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Gary Brown said he had walked to the ground with Mr Sparrow before he was later told by stewards the 70-year-old had died after he was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

"He was very brainy, very witty, and he would do anything for you, a very genuine bloke," Mr Brown told BBC Radio Manchester.

He said Mr Sparrow had gone to speak to another group of friends after the pair walked towards along the concourse.

"That was the last time I saw him," Mr Brown said

Mr Sparrow, who celebrated his 70th birthday last week, lived in Blackpool having being born in Wythenshawe in Manchester, Mr Brown said.

The pair had gone to Manchester City games together for decades, having struck up a friendship on match days.

His favourite game, aside from club's last gasp 3-2 victory over QPR to clinch the title in 2012, was an away match against Blackburn in the 2000 season that secured promotion to the Premier League, Mr Brown said.

"I have many happy memories of him, if you were sitting in his company you were never bored," he added.

Manchester City Military Veterans Official Supporters Club also paid tribute to Mr Sparrow, who was known to friends as "budgie".

In a statement the club said it was "deeply saddened" to hear of his death, describing him as "a former sapper who was immensely proud of his service with the Royal Engineers".

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, Les. Thank you for your service," they added.

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