Thomas Meunier sent his condolences to the families of three teenagers who died in the River Wear following Sunderland’s game against Brighton
Thomas Meunier sent a heartfelt message following Sunderland’s defeat to Brighton after an emotional afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
Tributes were paid before the Premier League fixture to Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, and 17-year-old Jackson Duke, who died after the car they were travelling in entered the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge on September 29.
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A minute’s applause was held before kick-off, while players wore black armbands as the club and supporters remembered the three teenagers. Following Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat, Meunier referenced the circumstances surrounding the game and sent his condolences to their families.
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“It would have been lovely to win the match under such special circumstances,” Meunier wrote On Instagram after the game.“Our thoughts are with the families, and we offer our sincere condolences.”
It was also a personally frustrating afternoon for the Belgium international, who was forced out of the game through injury during the first half. Meunier had started for Régis Le Bris’ side but was unable to continue and was replaced by Malick Fofana after 34 minutes.
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Sunderland have not yet confirmed the nature or severity of the problem, with Meunier’s fitness now another concern ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. The result itself was secondary to the poignant tributes before kick-off, with the Stadium of Light coming together to remember Luke, Zara and Jackson and show its support for their families.
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