Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea and Sunderland goalkeepers to unite in tribute to Jimmy Thorpe
Petr Cech and Craig Gordon will wear black armbands in honour of a former Sunderland keeper whose death 75 years ago changed the protection of all goalkeepers.[LNB]Tonight's clash between Sunderland and Chelsea marks the anniversary of the game between the two sides at Roker Park in which Jarrow-born Jimmy Thorpe received life threatening injuries.[LNB]Thorpe, aged just 22, was kicked in the head and chest after he had picked up the ball from a backpass. He was carried off in the second half, and died in hospital four days later from a diabetic coma 'accelerated by the rough usage of the opposing team'.[LNB] Rule change: Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Thorpe, who died while playing aged just 22, in action for the club in 1936[LNB]His death was a major factor in the Laws of the Game being altered to stop players raising their foot to a goalkeeper when he has the ball in his hands.[LNB]The story will have particular resonance for Chelsea Number One Cech who was out with a fractured skull for three months four years ago after a collision with Reading's Stephen Hunt. [LNB]Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: 'Jimmy gave fantastic service to the club at a time when it was consistently challenging for - and winning - the Football League, so he was right at the top of his game when he died.[LNB] Dangerous game: Petr Cech fractured his skull in a clash with Reading's Stephen Hunt[LNB]'To lose his life at such a young age and particularly as a result of a football match was absolutely tragic so it is fitting that we remember him, especially with the same two teams meeting 75 years on.[LNB]'Craig and Petr are both only too willing to wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Jimmy. His legacy has protected goalkeepers and has prevented a lot more serious injuries and fatalities ever since and continues to do so.'[LNB] Madness! Chelsea spend ?75m on Torres and Luiz on the craziest day in English transfer history Torres: If you don't play in Champions League, it's as if you don't existAll the latest Premier League team news for February 1 and 2All the latest Chelsea news, features and opinionAll the latest Sunderland news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Petr Cech, Niall Quinn, Craig Gordon Places: Chelsea Organisations: Football League
