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By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 01: 23 AEDT, 5 January 2026 | Updated: 01: 23 AEDT, 5 January 2026 View comments Sheffield United have announced the sad news that one of their supporters has died after falling ill during their New Year's Day match with Leicester City. The match took place at Bramall Lane with Sheffield United emerging as 3-1 winners in the Championship encounter. However, the fixture was mired by the supporter feeling unwell and requiring medical attention. And on Saturday the Blades revealed that the fan had sadly passed. Taking to X, their statement read: 'Sheffield United is saddened to learn that Russell Duke passed away after taking ill at Thursday's game. 'Our condolences to Russell's family at this difficult time. ' Sheffield United have confirmed that a fan has died after attending their win over Leicester Sheffield United is saddened to learn that Russell Duke passed away after taking ill at Thursday’s game. Our condolences to Russell’s family at this difficult time. pic. twitter. com/i REUYgd At P And tributes poured in for Duke following the news, from football fans. One fan wrote: 'Rest in peace fellow Blade. ' Another added: 'Love and condolences to his family and friends. ' A third said: 'How sad. RIP Russell and condolences to your family at this difficult time. ' A fourth commented: 'Sorry to hear about that and sending my thoughts from a Southampton fan. ' The win for Sheffield United put them up to 15th in the Championship at the time. However, their fixture with Oxford United on Sunday was postponed that morning due to a frozen pitch at Bramall Lane.
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