Dalian Atkinson: Sol Campbell leads tributes as world of football mourns ex-Villa player who died after being Tasered

Winner: Former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson (right) holding the League Cup in 1994 with manager Ron Atkinson
Tony Harris/PA Wire
Tom Powell15 August 2016

Tributes have flooded in following the death of former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson after he was Tasered by police.

The 48-year-old - who had a varied career in the Premiership as well as in Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and South Korea - reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest after police were called to an incident in the early hours of the morning.

Now football fans, pundits and players have begun paying tribute to Atkinson, who retired in 2001.

Former Arsenal and England centre-back Sol Campbell posted on Twitter: "What?! Former @AVFCofficial footballer Dalian Atkinson tasered?! Shocked and saddened by this news. Thoughts with friends and family. #RIPDalian."

Current Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish, 20, said: "RIP Dalian Atkinson. Loved watching videos of him & always remember his great goal vs Wimbledon. My thoughts are with his family & friends."

Defender Titus Bramble, who played for Newcastle, Wigan and Sunderland, said: "Can't believe what I've seen. Killed after being tasered by police. RIP Dalian Atkinson."

Former Aston Villa, Sunderland and Bristol City forward Darren Byfield posted on Twitter: “Dalian what a legend I really can’t believe what I’m hearing, such a nice guy always had time for the young lads growing up at Villa #RIP.”

Another former team-mate, Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich said: "RIP Dalian Atkinson, at his best one of the very best."

While Ian Taylor, a midfielder who also played with Atkinson at Aston Villa, wrote: "Just heard news re my old team mate Dalian. Deepest condolences to his family. Only spoke to him last week as well. Sad sad news..."

Atkinson is credited as having scored one of the greatest goals ever in English football, with his solo effort against Wimbledon in a 3-2 away win in 1992, which won BBC Match of the Day’s goal of the season competition.

He is also fondly remembered by Aston Villa fans for his performance and goal in the 1994 League Cup final win against Manchester United.

One of his other former teams, Sheffield Wednesday, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Wednesday are with the friends and family of Dalian Atkinson this morning. RIP.”

Rapper and actor Doc Brown joined in the tributes, posting: “Wow. Sad news. Dude scored one of my all time favourite goals, that mazy run and chip against Wimbledon… Classic.”

Football writers have also been quick to recognise the talents of Atkinson. Neil Moxley, Chief Sports writer of the Sunday People, wrote: “RIP Dalian Atkinson. As a player he had the lot. There are numerous pics of that goal against Wimbledon dotted around VP (Villa Park) and BMH (Bodymoor Heath training ground) still.”

Middlands sport commentator Tom Ross added: “Dreadful news about the tragic death of former Villa striker Dalian Atkinson RIP.”

Atkinson's death was announced today after West Mercia police attended an incident in Telford at 1:30am. He received medical attention after going into cardiac arrest but was pronounced dead at the scene.

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