Michael Newberry dead aged 27: Former Newcastle footballer passes away suddenly as ‘devastated’ club Cliftonville pay tribute

  • Newcastle youth academy graduate Michael Newberry has died suddenly at the age of 27
  • Cliftonville, his club in Northern Ireland, paid tribute to the defender
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Newcastle United youth student Michael Newberry has died suddenly at the age of 27.

His club Cliftonville, who play in the Northern Ireland Football League, released a statement expressing their devastation on Monday, Newberry’s 27th birthday.

“The Cliftonville Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden death of Michael Newberry,” the statement said.

“Our sincere condolences go out to Michael’s family and friends, as well as to the many teammates he played with during his career, and to the supporters who will be shocked and saddened by this heartbreaking news in these most difficult of times.

‘Tonight’s scheduled match with Dungannon Swifts in Solitude has been postponed.

“Rest in peace, Newbs.”

Michael Newberry started his career at hometown club Newcastle United

The defender played for both Linfield (pictured) and Cliftonville in Northern Ireland

The defender played for both Linfield (pictured) and Cliftonville in Northern Ireland

Newberry won two Irish Premiership titles during his three-year spell at Linfield

Newberry won two Irish Premiership titles during his three-year spell at Linfield

Newberry joined his hometown club Newcastle at the age of 11 and was awarded the ‘Wor Jackie Trophy’ in 2016, an award presented annually to Newcastle’s top young talent.

He then had a spell in Iceland with Vikingur before joining Linfield in 2021.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international spent three years with the Belfast club and won two Irish Premiership titles before moving across town to join Cliftonville in July this year.

Linfield also released a statement on hearing the news, saying: ‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michael’s family and friends at this very sad time.’

The NI Football League said they send their ‘sincere condolences to Michael’s family, friends and everyone associated with Cliftonville Football Club at this sad time.’