Luey Jacob Sharp died on the twenty-ninth of October, just two days after he entered into this world. Some may call this an insignificant life, others would disagree and say it has more significance altogether because of the short timespan involved. Meanwhile Luey's father, Billy Sharp (a striker for Doncaster Rovers) performed what can only be seen as the utmost act of remembrance for his little boy. Clearly Sharp will probably never fully recover from the loss of his child, nor will his partner, but the bravery and courage that he undertook just three days after his son's death proves that some sort of hero's do exist amongst us.
This post isn't a tribute to his son, by any means; rather it is recognition of what Sharp thought was right to do after the passing of his little boy. Sharp was courageous, at a time when courage would have failed many others for obvious reasons. Football unites people of all different walks of life, but there are times like these that really show the power of the sport with all. Regardless of his own personal heartbreak Sharp chose to play for Rovers, being given the captains armband for the match and lead his team out against Middlesbrough (and let me reiterate, just three days after the loss of Luey). He requested a minute’s applause be held in memory and as a true mark of respect for his little boy. I'm sure nobody could have imagined quite how he must have felt during this. What makes this event even more spectacular is the obligation in which both sets of fans, and players undertook this mark of respect. With every single fan in the ground standing and applauding, one can only credit sport itself for allowing such respect to be delivered.
Sharp said on his twitter:
"My goal tonight was the most important of my career dedicated to my brave boy Luey Jacob Sharp. I love you son.
"I was crying [during] the minute's applause. Thanks to both sets of fans."
Powerful.
People claim a goal can change so much for someone. It can make a day, ruin a week and certainly give the scorer a feeling of absolute euphoria incomparable with any other feeling on this planet. Therefore Sharp scoring was simply the fairy-tale ending after the seemingly unbearable horror story he had endured over the past few days. Sharp celebrated the goal by revealing a message on his shirt emblazoned with the words 'That's for you Son'; a timely reminder of a fathers undying love for his child. Usually such an action of lifting the shirt would follow with a referee brandishing a yellow card to the culprit but on the day, Darren Deadman (the man in charge) was praised by all for not doing such. It was therefore seen as fitting that Sharp could perform such an act for his son.
Yes, it is only a game of football, two teams and a ball, and yet the pure passion and emotion that was present shows the power of the sport; in the way it brings together people to commemorate and also celebrate events in life, in this case a celebration of what was a life for a very little boy. It's incredible how such a theme could completely overshadow a football match, and demand respect from all players in the game, that is definite unity in sport. With the recent allegations of racism in football this story comes as a simple reminder to all involved that although at times the sport brings out the worst in people, it can also provide the world with moments of absolute beauty; and that at times where individuals are at their lowest it can provide the support and relief to pick them up. Respect is something that should be earned; yet in this case it was deserved.
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