Billy Sharp, a goal dedicated to the sky

Sometimes life hits hard and things happen that make you wonder how it is that really can happen, but like a flower born in the asphalt, as dark as something beautiful can come from the deepest sorrow can birth something move and stay forever as a beautiful memory. Billy Sharp, Doncaster Rovers footballer of the second English last Saturday lost his son when he was only two days old. For the match that his team had to play on Tuesday against Middlesbrough, his coach gave him rest because of the tragic event, but Sharp wanted to play, I wanted to play the game to score a goal and dedicate it to his son. He did, he ran toward the sideline and stood beneath the shirt showing another containing the following message: "That's for you, are" (this is for you, son).

Not only coach, but also his colleagues tried to convince him that it was better not play the game, but he was clear. He jumped onto the pitch and he did as captain. Before the game, Doncaster Rovers and Middlesbrough applauded for a minute in memory of Louie Jacob Sharp, his son. With only fourteen minutes had elapsed game, Billy hooked volley a ball dropped from the sky to mark while his team ahead on the scoreboard. He was also a goal. Billy Sharp could thus give your child the gift he craved. The referee is aware of the situation for a moment forgot the rules and did not show the yellow card players are taught to get up the shirt. It was time. The fans of both teams were quick to applaud the well marked by the English footballer of 25 years. The Doncaster Rovers finally lost 1-3 shock, but for a day, that was not important.

It is not the first time we see an event of this nature, occurred five years ago and lived a footballer known to all: Martin Palermo. It was a Wednesday when Stefano died after six months of gestation and two hours in the incubator. It was impossible to save his life. Heartbroken, the following Sunday Martin wanted to wear the shirt of Boca and Banfield to play with the same intention of Billy Sharp: mark and dedicate the goal to his son. As in the case of the England striker, the desire to give a gift to his son were stronger than despair. Just inside the lawn of La Bombonera, the crowd greeted him with a standing ovation to remind you that I was not alone. Only missing the goal, and specialty of the Argentine could not leave. He twice and Palermo could not restrain the tears in any of them. Later the name of a tattoo on his arm and Stefano held each of its goals and lifting arm kissing the sky.

Events that make even the biggest football and sport although they sometimes insist on her face less gentle reminder. Football once again served as a means to show life as it is with everything good and bad that can emerge from it. Sharp and Palermo scored the goal that sought to honor the memory of their children. Perhaps the commitment and courage that got to play was enough to disguise the destination of the ball for a moment and help them in their task.

Photo | Matt West