Michael Newberry: Tributes paid to defender ahead of Irish Cup ties

Saturday’s Irish Cup fifth round tie was Cliftonville’s first game since Newberry’s death after Monday’s Irish Premiership match with Dungannon Swifts was postponed as a mark of respect.

Cliftonville and Banbridge Rangers laid wreaths in the centre circle alongside Newberry’s Cliftonville shirts before a moving minute’s applause.

The hosts also had Newberry’s number five on the front of their shirts as both Cliftonville and Linfield fans left scarves and tributes outside Solitude.

“It’s very difficult to sum up, but more importantly it is the Newberry family who we are thinking about at this stage,” added Magilton, whose side won 4-0.

“We want to show them what Michael meant to us and how much he was loved and cherished and how much we are all going to miss him.

“You have to commend Banbridge Rangers because this is a huge day for them in the landscape of their football club, and they did it with such grace and dignity. On behalf of the club we thank them.

“I don’t think you ever recover from this in terms of what Michael left. It was a matter of taking care of the game, which we did, but all we really wanted to do is to make the family aware of how much Michael meant to us all.”