Sheffield United's Bramall Lane puts NHS up in lights

The Blades projected an image onto the Bramall Lane thanking health service workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. There were similar gestures at other clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers and Rotherham United.

“Everyone in every household will be connected to someone working away, stuff that is and isn’t getting publicised, people in care homes and hospitals doing an amazing job,” said manager Chris Wilder. “Hopefully that’s reflected on, how key they are to everyone and the brilliant work that’s going on in our great city.

“We have heroes on a Saturday and a Tuesday but it puts it into perspective when situation we’re going through, who are the real heroes.”

The Premier League club have allowed their Bramall Lane car park to be used free of charge by NHS staff, while furloughed staff have been encouraged to join the NHS volunteering scheme. The Blades have yet to decide if they will take up the Government offer to pay 80 per cent of the wages of those non-playing staff put on lead, but have promised to ensure they will continue to be paid their wages in full.

Premier League players have also agreed to donate to a charitable foundation, Players Together, to support the NHS.

The Blades have worked closely with PA Entertainments to form the projection, as have others clubs in the region, with operations director Dave McCarthy remarking: “We know many of our supporters will be missing their visits to Bramall Lane and thought it the perfect time to give them a glimpse of the stadium and at the same time show our support for the incredible and brave work of the NHS at this testing time

“We’re acutely aware that many Blades supporters, as well as family and friends, work for the NHS and the thanks and appreciation of everyone connected to the club goes out to them and all the other key workers and volunteers who are working tirelessly on the front line.”