22nd April 1977 there was a game at the Willows between Leeds and Salford where a player playing the sport we love lost his life. With our game a couple of weeks away I think it would be suitable to have a moment to consider what our teams put themselves through week on week and the risks involved.

Yes indeed,i was there on that dreadful night.

I've just finished reading the biography of Leeds' Mick Shoebottom who was coincidentally injured in a game versus salford in the early 70's. He suffered serious head injuries that finished his career and left him paralysed, altering his life forever. Whenever I see a player from any team go down injured and hear opposition fans cheering it absolutely sickens me. Anyone that pulls on a shirt to play our great game deserves the utmost respect.

after mick shoebottom was injured against salford,there was bad blood between the teams for a long time. I think the player who so sadly died at The Willows was called Sanderson.
I will never forget that Sunday afternoon,seeing the distressed players of both teams,as they became aware of what had happened.The game i remember wasn't abandoned,it just stopped,as the players heard the news. Colin Dixon stood in front of 'the popular side stand' sobbing.
The ground fell silent as people drifted home,a sad sad day!

Quote: lou kate "I think the player who so sadly died at The Willows was called Sanderson.'" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Sanderson

Quote: lou kate "I think the player who so sadly died at The Willows was called Sanderson.'" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Sanderson

Pretty sure the date of death is wrong as the 22nd April 1977 was a Friday and the game in which Sanderson died was a Sunday (24/4/77). The original poster also states the 22nd April as the date of death.

I remember the game and pretty sure it must have been Sunday the 24th as it was daylight. Had it been Friday the 22nd, it would have been under flodlights.

I remember the game, it's something that stays with you.

Awful atmosphere as the details of the injury seemed to spread through the crowd.

At least it led to many of the safety and medical improvements we see at grounds today.

It was the 24th April, we played Bradford at home on the 22nd April, Leeds was the last game of the season when the game was ended Leeds were in front 2 - 5.

I was also there that Sunday afternoon,so much so I suggested a minute silence,when we played at the Willows
last season,I was told by the club,that they after ask the League,so It did not get any ware.A shame.