RIP Ernie Crouch who sat next to me at Wembley at the 2014 FAC Final. Been going Arsenal home & away since the 1930s pic.twitter.com/8uzXrRwWb8
— Gary Lawrence (@garythegooner56) December 5, 2015
A 90-year-old who was blown against a moving bus after high winds in North London on Saturday has been named as Ernie Crouch.
The Arsenal fan is thought to have been caught by a huge gust of wind, throwing him from a pavement and into the path of a bus near Finchley Central station. The season-ticket holder was on his way to the Emirates to watch his side play Sunderland.
I will miss this guy so much he was Mr Arsenal pic.twitter.com/SIj926Bti4
— claudio callegari (@goonerclaude) December 6, 2015
Close friend and fellow Arsenal supporter, Claudio Callegari, spoke to Westminster World this afternoon, describing Crouch as: “the perfect gentleman, went to games home and away right till the end, struggling to walk, but nothing would stop him
“He also went to watch Arsenal Ladies and the Under 21’s, his life was Arsenal”
Arsenal have been quick to pay tribute to their devoted fan, described by many as “legendary”.
Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong fan Ernie Crouch. May he rest in peace — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 6, 2015
Crouch, who had supported the North London club since attending his first game at Highbury in 1934, was described as a ‘fantastic and loyal supporter.’
Ex-Arsenal player Lukas Podolski has also paid tribute to Crouch, his Twitter post received over a thousand retweets.
Sad to hear about the passing of a true fan this weekend. 90 years an Arsenal fan. Ernie Crouch, A loyal Gunner. RIP pic.twitter.com/9jZv1tSnhZ — Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) December 7, 2015
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust announced they would be marking Crouch’s passing once they receive some indication of his family’s wishes.
The club is yet to confirm how they will mark the 90-year-old’s passing.