![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/referee-dies-six-weeks-after-cancer-news-as-tributes-paid-to-newcastle-united-fan/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_IBP_NEC_230223sweeney_02JPG.jpg&description=Barry Sweeney, an avid Newcastle United fan, tragically lost his son in the MH17 crash in 2014, and following being diagnosed with cancer six weeks ago he sadly passed away The dad of a Brit who died in the MH17 plane crash tragedy has died - six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Barry Sweeney, from Longbenton, a popular referee and avid Newcastle United fan, sadly passed away, after he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just over a month ago. His son Liam lost his life in the MH17 plane crash. The 61-year-old devoted Magpies fan was a familiar face across Tyneside following the 2014 disaster and was also a prominent figure in grassroots football. Tributes have flooded in from across the region today. Andrew Rose-Cook, who is Chief Executive of the Northumberland FA said: 'He was a massive idol for a lot of younger referees. He is a fantastic example both off the pitch and on the pitch. He was just a really really top guy and he will be sorely missed.' On Facebook Newcastle West End FC wrote: "Everyone involved with Newcastle West End FC are saddened to hear of the sad passing of Barry Sweeney a well known and respected match official in the North East. Barry always brought a fun energetic approach to football and was very well liked by everyone. Our thoughts are with Barry's extended family, friends and colleagues at this sad time." A close friend of Barry's told the Mirror: 'Barry wasn't only a friend but a huge supporter of The Bradley Lowery Foundation. He travelled the country providing his services as a referee for the charity matches the Foundation had and never asked for a single thing in return. He made friends everywhere he went. There won't be a single bad word said about him. Reunited with his son Liam after many years of fighting for justice.' Barry's son, also a devoted Toon fan, Liam, 28, from Killingworth and John Alder, 63, were travelling to New Zealand to watch the Magpies in a pre-season friendly when they died. They were killed, al){kind=link}
Barry Sweeney, an avid Newcastle United fan, tragically lost his son in the MH17 crash in 2014, and following being diagnosed with cancer six weeks ago he sadly passed away
The dad of a Brit who died in the MH17 plane crash tragedy has died – six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Barry Sweeney, from Longbenton, a popular referee and avid Newcastle United fan, sadly passed away, after he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just over a month ago. His son Liam lost his life in the MH17 plane crash.
The 61-year-old devoted Magpies fan was a familiar face across Tyneside following the 2014 disaster and was also a prominent figure in grassroots football. Tributes have flooded in from across the region today.
Andrew Rose-Cook, who is Chief Executive of the Northumberland FA said: “He was a massive idol for a lot of younger referees. He is a fantastic example both off the pitch and on the pitch. He was just a really really top guy and he will be sorely missed.”