Michael Newberry, a young defender in Northern Ireland's top division of Football, has died suddenly at the age of 27. His club, Cliftonville in Belfast, announced this afternoon: “Cliftonville FC are devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry.”
“We extend our condolences to Michael's family and friends, as well as to the many teammates he played with during his career, and to the fans who will be shaken and saddened by this heartbreaking news,” they added.
The NI Football League has canceled a football match scheduled for this evening between Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts, as well as another match between Linfield and Larne. Linfield was Newberry's club until last season, and he still had many friends there.
No cause of death was given. Today, December 30, Newberry celebrated its 27th birthday. He joined Cliftonville this season, before playing three years at another Northern Ireland club, Linfield. Between 2018 and 2020 he played for Icelandic team Ungmennafélagið Víkingur.
Although he was born in England and played in Newcastle's youth academy, he moved to Northern Ireland, where he also played for the Northern Ireland youth international team.
Other football clubs and institutions across Northern Ireland have expressed their condolences and shock at the sudden death. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michael’s family and friends at this very sad time,” Linfield said.
