Tribute to Blues fan who died after away match

Birmingham City Football Club will pay tribute to a fan who went missing while attending an away match against Derby County.

On Sunday, Derbyshire Constabulary found a body - believed to be 18-year-old Paul Pike - in the River Derwent, near Pride Park. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

The 18-year-old had last been seen outside the stadium just before 13:00 GMT on 21 March, before being seen on CCTV walking along the riverside path.

"Paul travelled to Derby County to support the team he loved, and it is heartbreaking that he did not return home," the club wrote on its website.

Birmingham City representatives will lay a wreath in Pride Park on Thursday, and on Friday the club will lay one at its home game against Blackburn Rovers.

The club said it would also support a fan-led initiative to hold a minute's applause in the 18th minute of Friday's game to celebrate Pike's life, with a photo on the big screens displaying an image chosen by his family.

The club added that it was "deeply saddened" to hear of Pike's death.

"We would like to thank all Bluenoses, everyone at Derby County, and football fans across the country for the compassion, solidarity, and support shown to the Pike family.

"It is this spirit that makes the football community so special."

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