Football clubs pay tribute to man killed in crash

Kian Broadhead played his final match the afternoon before he died in a crash

Football clubs across the Isle of Man have paid tribute to a "wonderful young man" with a "bright future ahead" after he died in a crash on Sunday.

Kian Broadhead, 25, died following the crash at the Devil's Elbow on the A4 Coast Road between Peel and Kirk Michael.

Peel AFC said the club had postponed the weekend's fixtures following the death of its combined team captain Mr Broadhead. The club's patron, Colin Gerrard, said his smile "lit up our days", adding: "We are all going to miss you so much Kian."

In a statement issued on Monday, Isle of Man police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision was under way and urged anyone with information to contact the force.

On Saturday afternoon, Mr Broadhead "played his part" in a 5-3 victory against league leaders Corinthians, scoring his 10th goal in his 118 senior appearances, the club said.

But the following day "news reached us of his tragic passing at the much too young age of 25", it continued.

The 25-year-old has been described as having a bright future ahead of him

"On behalf of the club and Kian's family, who have strong connections to Peel AFC, thanks are extended to everyone who has made contact to express their condolences at this very sad time," it added.

Fellow Liverpool fans are set to stand and applaud Mr Broadhead's memory during the 25th minute of Saturday's match at Anfield against Everton, the Isle of Man Liverpool Supporters' Club confirmed.

Meanwhile, Corinthians Football Club said: "Kian was a cracking footballer, but much more so, a wonderful young man with a bright future ahead of him.

"We know words cannot express how much he was loved and how much he will be missed," the club added.

Union Mills Football Club said Mr Broadhead's death was "such a tragic loss to the community".

A statement from Marown Football Club said he was "Peel through and through, and was always a tough captain and centre-half to get past".

And FC Isle of Man said: "We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Kian's family, his friends, teammates, and everyone at Peel AFC during this incredibly difficult time."