‘No game. No scoreline. Just reflection’: Football club’s tribute after striker killed in car crash

'Today, there is no opposition, no points to play for'

17:35, 20 Dec 2025

A football club in mourning issued an emotive tribute at 3pm on Saturday after one of their players was killed in a horror motorway car crash driving home from a game.[1]

Non-league Macclesfield[2] FC should have been taking to the pitch in Derbyshire for a National League North fixture away at Alfreton Town. The match, however, was postponed after the tragic death of striker Ethan McLeod, 21.

Ethan was travelling back from the Cheshire club's game away at Bedford Town on Tuesday night when a Mercedes he was driving hit a barrier on the M1, near Milton Keynes.

Emergency services raced to the scene on the northbound carriageway at around 10.40pm. But despite the best efforts of members of the public and police officers, the former Wolves academy star was pronounced dead at the scene.

A minute's silence for him was held at the Wolves' game at home to Brentford today in the Premier League.

The Silkmen issued a moving tribute to Ethan as the referee's whistle should have been sounding to kick today's game off. The club described the forward as 'a wonderful human being and someone who inspired us all'. A book of condolence remains available to sign at the club.

In the statement, issued at 3pm on Saturday, Macclesfield said: "At this precise moment, our team should be walking out onto the pitch to the deafening noise of the Silkmen supporters before hearing the referee's first whistle.

"There will instead, be a pause.

No game. No scoreline. Just reflection.

"Ethan McLeod was not just our teammate, he was a wonderful human being and someone who inspired us all, with the weight of his indescribable loss remaining surreal in the extreme.

Football teaches us how to move tactically, how to react, and how to keep going when faced with adversity for the benefit of everyone associated with the team.

"But today, it teaches us something infinitely more important: how to stand still together. Ethan passionately wore our badge with pride. He trained with purpose, played with heart, and carried himself with a quiet strength that didn't need to be loud to be felt.

"Whether it was in the dressing room, on the training pitch, or under the floodlights, Ethan effortlessly gave every ounce of his being for the game he loved and the devoted people around him.

At this poignant time, we remember Ethan not only for his undeniable talent, but for the memories he created - so many of which didn't make the highlights, yet will live in the hearts and minds of all those who loved him so unconditionally forevermore.

"We remember all the laughter, Ethan's infectious smile, and the unspoken understanding that binds our entire club together. Our beloved club is built on that togetherness and the devastating sense of loss that we all are feeling reminds us just how deep those bonds run.

"Today, there is no opposition, no points to play for. What there is an abundance of however, is a deeply held gratitude for having known Ethan, and for having been able to share a short part of his journey with him.

There is heartbreak, and there is love - from teammates, staff, supporters, and everyone whose life Ethan touched so evocatively.

"Ethan's story doesn't end here though. It lives on in the values he embodied, in the wonderful memories he did so much to create, and in the way he made all those around him strive to be the best version of themselves.

"In the fullness of time, Ethan's legacy will help shape who we are and who we become. It will make us stronger and more determined to honour him not just with words, but in everything we do."

The motorway was shut for several hours following the tragedy.

In a statement, Northamptonshire Police said: "Witnesses are being sought after a driver sadly died following a single-vehicle collision on the northbound carriageway of the M1, near junction 15.

"At about 10.40pm on Tuesday, December 16, the driver of a white Mercedes car for unknown reason was in collision with the nearside metal barrier.

Despite the efforts of members of the public and officers from Northamptonshire Police, the driver - a man in his 20s from the West Midlands - was pronounced dead at the scene."

References

1. ^ one of their players was killed in a horror motorway car crash driving home from a game. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Macclesfield (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)