Football community offers sympathy for tragic pair

Hastings United manager Garry Wilson is among those to have expressed their sympathy for the two Worthing United players tragically killed yesterday. Picture courtesy Joe Knight

Goalkeeper Matt Grimstone and midfielder Jacob Schilt were travelling to United’s home game with Loxwood in the Southern Combination League Premier Division when a Hawker Hunter fighter jet flying at the Shoreham Airshow crashed into a busy stretch of the A27.

Police have not yet confirmed Mr Grimstone and Mr Schilt as victims. However, dozens of their friends have taken to Facebook and Twitter to express their grief.

Hastings United manager Garry Wilson wrote on Facebook: “Shocked and saddened to hear about the two young footballers travelling to play for Worthing Utd FC and losing their lives in the Shoreham air show plane crash, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends from all at Hastings Utd FC.”

Battle Baptist FC wrote on Twitter: “Our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the Worthing United players and indeed all involved with the Shoreham air crash.”

Little Common FC wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all those who were affected by the tragic events in Shoreham yesterday.”

St Leonards-based Eastbourne United AFC striker Dominic Clarke wrote on Twitter: “Horrendous news about the shoreham air crash. Thoughts and prayers go out to everybody associated with @WorthingUtdFC #footballfamily”

Former Sidley United player and manager Peter Heritage, now coaching at Eastbourne Town, said: “My thoughts are with the families and Worthing Utd FC who lost 2 of their players in the Shoreham air show crash yesterday.”

Mountfield United FC wrote on Twitter: “Deepest thoughts and condolences go to @WorthingUtdFC and everyone involved with the awful scenes yesterday at Shoreham.”

Sidley United FC wrote on Twitter: “Thoughts with all @WorthingUtdFC after the loss of 2 players in the air crash yesterday. Awful for everyone involved. RIP.”

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