‘Football fanatic’: Tributes paid to Sheffield United fan and soldier killed in ‘bottle attack’

Tributes have been paid to a popular Sheffield United fan and soldier who was fatally injured in an incident outside a bar on a night out.
By Claire Lewis
Published 11th Feb 2020, 12:49 BST
Updated 11th Feb 2020, 17:48 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Joe Robotham, aged 23, was allegedly struck with a bottle over his head outside Vibe on Holywell Street at around 3.50am on Saturday, February 8.

LATEST: Sheffield Wednesday fan ‘could have been killed’ after police officer smashed teen on head with baton

He was taken to hospital but could not be saved and died at 11.30pm the following day.

Joe Robotham died after an incident outside a bar in Chesterfield town centreJoe Robotham died after an incident outside a bar in Chesterfield town centre
Joe Robotham died after an incident outside a bar in Chesterfield town centre

COURT: Drug dealer's driver denies murder of Sheffield father-of-one stabbed to death

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Connor Rose, 24, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon over the incident.

Read More
South Yorkshire woman 'had sex with OAPs before burning their homes'

He is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court today.

A second man, 28, was arrested on suspicion of affray and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Joe served in the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment for four years and had completed exercises in Canada, Lithuania and Oman.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has also been described as a ‘Sheffield United fan and a football fanatic’.

Posting a tribute online, friend Sarah Shum said: “Joe was an amazing lad, he was a big part of my best friend’s life and always will be.

“He was a great friend of mine and I will cherish the memories forever.

“He was a great lad and so down to earth. My thoughts are with his family, friends and girlfriend.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jamie Carty added: “I worked with this guy and I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s a great guy and great loss to everyone who knew him and his friends and family.

“I worked with him in the army such a genuine, nice lad.

“We are looking at getting all the lads that knew him through the army together to pay our respects because the lads who serve together will always be brothers.”

Relative Patricia Saunt added: “I was there when he went to sleep forever were all heartbroken. Devastated.”

An online Go Fund Me page has been set up to help Joe’s family with funeral expenses.

Luke Keeling, who set up the page, described Joe as ‘amazing’ and ‘loved by all and hated by none.”

Over £800 has been donated so far.

Click HERE to donate.