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.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.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'. Rule change: Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Thorpe, who died while playing aged just 22, in action for the club in 1936His 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.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. 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. Dangerous game: Petr Cech fractured his skull in a clash with Reading's Stephen Hunt'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.'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.' 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 Explore more:People: Petr Cech, Niall Quinn, Craig Gordon Places: Chelsea Organisations: Football League