Tributes have been paid to 16-year-old Shelbourne player Izzy Dezu after he tragically died during a match last night.
Izzy was playing for Shelbourne Youth Academy against St Kevin’s Boys in the Athletic Union League (AUL) Complex in Clonshaugh when he collapsed during the second half.
Paramedics from Dublin Fire Brigade attended to him on the field but he was later pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital.
In a statement confirming the news this morning, Shelbourne said: “We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and passed away during a match at the AUL Complex last night against St. Kevins Boys Club.
“The thoughts of everyone at Shelbourne FC are with his family, friends, teammates and coaches who have been devastated by his tragic loss.
“May he rest in peace.”
St Kevin’s Boys and the AUL also expressed their condolances.
A statement on Twitter from St Kevin’s Boys said: “We at St Kevin’s Boys Fc would like to pass on our Condolences to the family,Friends and everybody at Shelbourne Football Club after their young academy player Izzy Dezu collapsed and died in a game last night.Very Sad news Rest In Peace young man.”
The AUL said on Facebook: “Everyone at the Athletic Union League would like to send our deepest sympathies to the family, team mates & friends of Izzy Dezu from Shelbourne FC Youth Academy Under 16s who sadly passed away after he collapsed playing against St Kevin’s Boys FC in the Dublin and District Schoolboys League match which was played at the AUL Complex last night.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dezu family at this sad time, May he rest in peace.”
Football clubs and figures from across the country also expressed their condolences on social media.
My deepest sympathies to the family
“team mates & Friends of Shelbourne FC U16 player Izzy Dezu who sadly passed away after he collapsed playing against St Kevin’s Boys Club in the Dublin District Schoolboys League last night at the AUL Complex. May he rest in peace..— Dick Redmond (@kitmandick) December 13, 2017
1/2 Two & a half years ago, our Shetemi ‘Shay’ Ayetigbo collapsed & died on the pitch aged 16. Last night, 16 year old Shelbourne striker Izzy Dezu also tragically passed away doing what he loved on a football pitch. Life is not fair. Our thoughts, prayers & love are with Izzy, pic.twitter.com/DwwG6lQz2e
— Belvedere FC (@BelvedereFCDub) December 13, 2017
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone at Shelbourne Football club on the tragic loss of their Academy player, Izzy Dezu who very sadly passed away last night.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/YfOgSndImv— St. Mochta’s FC (@stmochtasfc) December 13, 2017
Our thoughts & prayers are with young Izzy Dezu, his family, friends & everyone at @shelsfc. Several of our current U17 team played with Izzy at our partner club @CherryOrchardFC for a number of years & will remember him fondly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— St Patrick’s Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) December 13, 2017
Our condolences to the family and friends of young Izzy Dezu following his tragic passing. #RIP
— YBIG (@YouBoysInGreen) December 13, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at @shelsfc at this time. A young and talented player, Izzy Dezu collapsed and died during a match last night, we extend our condolences to his family and everyone at Shelbourne FC. May he Rest In Peace. ⚽️
— Bluebell United FC (@BluebellUnited) December 13, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at @shelsfc. Their young U16 @shelsfc Academy player, Izzy Dezu collapsed and died during a match against St. Kevins’ Boys last night, we extend our condolences to his family and everyone at Shelbourne. May he Rest In Peace.
— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) December 13, 2017
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) also expressed its deepest sympathies to Izzy’s family and friends.
FAI CEO said: “Everyone involved in Irish football is deeply saddened by the loss of Izzy Dezu at such a young age, particularly in these tragic circumstances.
“On behalf of the FAI Board and everyone in the Association, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Izzy’s family, friends, team mates and his club, Shelbourne FC.
“We will pay a special tribute to Izzy at the next Senior Men’s home international at the Aviva Stadium in 2018.”
