27 February 2023 , 13:14
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Tributes have flooded in to a football player who died after collapsing on the pitch during a game.
Michael Palmer was playing for Crowland Town FC reserves on Saturday, February 25 when he suddenly collapsed. The Manchester United fan, 23, sadly never regained consciousness.
His heartbroken family said in a statement that it was "fitting" that Michael's passing was "on the grassy velvet of the football pitch he so adored."
Dad Mike said: "With a strong sense of duty, Michael wanted the best for those around him, and nothing was too much to ask. He was the very embodiment of valuing people and relationships above everything else.
Michael was a keen Manchester United fan (Jodie Williamson/PhotographyJodes)"And with fervour and commitment, but with humility and confidence in equal measure, he inspired those around him to work harder, try harder, give a little more, walking alongside them and taking them with him on the journey."
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Mike added: ""Michael’s loss will be forever felt, and hurt fades to scars, his light will shine the brightest in our galaxy of stars.
"And though we will move forward, We should take solace in this pain, that Michael will never be forgotten, and we will all remember his name.”
The family added that Michael "lived up to the principles and values that he had grown up with."
Michael's best friend Harry Grigas added that he feels "like we’ve lost one of the funniest and kindest people in the world."
He said: "I became close with his family and still have remained close. I would spend the night round his dads and grandparents house.
"The only fault Palmer ever had was his excessively loud snoring which everyone of his family and close friends will have heard and never forgot."
Michael only recently earned a promotion at work (Family Handout)
Michael's best friend Harry described him as 'the greatest friend I could have ever asked' for (Family Handout)Crowland Town FC on social media thanked members of the opposing team, fellow Lincolnshire side Leverington FC, for their "help and respect."
The club, which plays in the Peterborough & District Football League, later added that Michael was a "genuine, lovely lad who never gave us a moment's trouble."
They said: "Nothing was ever too much trouble and he always had a big smile on his face."
The referee present at the time commended both teams for how they reacted (Jodie Williamson/PhotographyJodes)Referee Matt Elderkin said the conduct of both sets of players during the incident on Saturday was something to be "proud of."
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A spokesperson for Whaplode Drove Rovers FC said: "Today the Whaplode Drove family feel terrible loss. We offer our utmost condolences to his friends, family and fellow teammates and backroom staff at Crowland Town FC.
Crowland Town FC described Michael as a 'family member' (Jodie Williamson/PhotographyJodes)"Michael Palmer was a decent, kind, committed and fierce player, who offered all the same qualities as a friend. Many of our boys grew up with him from a young age and these qualities never changed, he truly was a good man filled with love.
"It was hard not to be in awe of him whenever he laced up and graced our grass. He offered leadership and guidance to those around him and truly changed the dynamic of our family. His passion for football was undeniable, admirable even.
Michael was just 23 when he passed away (Jodie Williamson/PhotographyJodes)"We were fortunate enough to have him represent us as our Reserves team captain, and Peterborough Sunday Team regular, and with every performance his vigour and his roar deafened those around him, he was a manager's dream, always constructive, always developing, and always helping. Football ran through him, it never faded and it never will.
"We, as a club, hope to continue to play with the passion he inspired, and with that we know that his memory will forever live and play with us. He's gone far too soon, but his lessons that he taught us will last an eternity.
"Palmer, if everyone played the game with the same love you did, then the game will truly live forever. May you rest in beautiful peace.
"On Saturday the 25th of February 2023 Michael woke up to play the game he loved, hold your loved ones close, always."