- Ex-Sheffield Utd man was found dead in a swimming pool at his home this month
- Kind messages have been pouring in for the Panathinaikos star in past fortnight
- Supporters tonight held up the number 32 in reference to his squad number
Supporters of Chelsea and Panathinaikos have paid an emotional tribute to George Baldock in the build-up to their Europa Conference League clash.
The former Sheffield United star – who was born in England but had played international football for Greece since 2022 – was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9.
He had been playing for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek champions from the Blades in May.
Now the Greek side have remembered their former player in the first match home match after his death, by holding up placards with his squad number 32 written on them.
During the heartbreaking tribute, the PA system at the stadium played the song Starman, in reference to his nickname, over the speakers.
Supporters of Chelsea and Panthinaikos have paid an emotional tribute to George Baldock
Baldock pictured playing for Panathinaikos earlier this month, just days before his death
Baldock pictured in 2020 when he was playing for Sheffield United in the Premier League
Ahead of the match Chelsea paid their respects to the right-back with a special post on X, formerly Twitter, showing Enzo Fernandez holding a replica Blues shirt with ‘Baldock 32’ on it.
The Argentine midfielder is flanked by other stars of the west London side.
During the international break, Greece’s match against Republic of Ireland on Sunday was preceded by a minute of silence, which was observed impeccably by both sets of fans.
Baldock’s former international team-mates also held up a shirt printed with his name and number during their pre-game team photo.
News of Baldock’s death broke less than 24 hours before Greece’s away game against England in London on Thursday.
Greece won that game 2-1 before celebrating at Wembley by holding up a shirt bearing Baldock’s name.
‘Georgey, this is for you!’ defender Lazaros Rota shouted down the camera at the end of the match.
Greece’s players pictured posing for a pre-match team photo ahead of thier game against Ireland, while displaying the shirt of the late George Baldock following his death aged 31
Ireland’s players pictured during a minute’s silence before their match in Piraeus
There had also been pre-match tributes at the Wembley match, where both sets of players wore black armbands and observed another minute of silence.
Manchester City youngster James McAtee – who played alongside Baldock during a loan spell at Sheffield United – then dedicated his two goals to his late former team-mate after starring in England U21’s 2-1 win over Ukraine on Friday.
Baldock began his career with MK Dons. The Buckinghamshire club paid tribute to him ahead of their League Two game at home to Port Vale.