R.I.P. Cliffy Me Old Pal

Last updated : 17 January 2016 By Footy Mad - Editor

Newcastle United fan Cliffy Ahmed

Cliffy Ahmed, 57, had been a regular sight at NUFC matches since the 1960s.

He had been to see Newcastle take on Manchester United at St James's Park on Tuesday night and went for a drink in Nine Bar after the 3-3 draw.

But after leaving the bar he suffered a cardiac arrest and was later found lying close to the Strawberry pub. He was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary where he died on Wednesday.

A family spokesman told the Gazette: "Newcastle United was his life.

"On Tuesday he'd have been in high spirits after the game and he normally went for a pint. But sadly, he has collapsed on his way home.

"We're are amazed by how many people knew him, he was quite a character. He was planning to go to Watford next weekend, he just loved going to watch Newcastle."

As news of his death spread among supporters over the weekend, many took to social media to leave tributes to a man who was black and white through and through.

Newcastle United posted on their official Twitter account: "Our condolences to the family and friends of loyal and well-known Newcastle United fan Cliffy Ahmed, who has sadly passed away. #NUFC"

South Shields Football Club also left their condolences online, posting on their Twitter account: "The thoughts of everyone at SSFC are with the friends and family of #nufc superfan Cliffy Ahmed, also a regular face at Mariners Park. RIP."

Former Newcastle United midfielder Gavin Peacock was among those saddened by the news.

He took to Twitter to say: "Very sad to hear that @nufc loyal fan, Cliffy Ahmed, passed away. The kind of person that makes the Geordie fans so special. #NUFC"