Ex-Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny furious as police turn up at event for murdered teen Harvey Willgoose
Former footballer Paddy Kenny expressed his frustration at the police in a social media post
Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny shared his fury at the police after he claimed officers turned up to a gathering for murdered schoolboy Harvey Willgoose.
The seven-time Republic of Ireland international, who also played for the likes of Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, shared his thoughts in a video post on X while attending the event at the Hog's Head pub in Hackenthorpe.
In the video, Kenny says: “So I'm just here, at the Harvey Fest. And it's a massive thing for Harvey Willgoose... his mum and dad have put on outside.”
During the video, he then turns the camera around and points towards a police officer.
“And look at this – police have turned up asking for an event certificate. What the f*** has this world come to.”
He continued: “Unf***ing believeable. I can't catch my f***ing breath.”
Harvey’s mother Caroline, who organised the event, told The Star that officers were only there for 10 minutes, but felt the whole ordeal was largely unnecessary.
She said: “We were really shocked. I just think they could be put to more use being out on the street. We're doing all this to prevent knife crime and helping them really.”
In a statement, South Yorkshire police denied asking for an events certificate.
They said: “Officers attended as a courtesy to make sure everything was running OK. This is standard procedure with events that are taking place on bank holiday evenings. We also didn’t ask for an “events certificate” and officers left as soon as they’d checked everything was OK.”
Caroline revealed that the event for Harvey was to help raise money towards a youth club in his honour.
Speaking about the day, she added: “Harvey loved everyone getting together - festivals, music, drink - even though he only ever had lemonade. And Harvey’s Hub is just trying to get somewhere for kids to socialise again, somewhere for kids to go - we need to get our kids socialising.”
The fundraiser on Sunday took place following permission from the manager of the Hog's Head to hold the event in Harvey's memory – which may now become an annual occurrence.
Caroline added: “We get a lot from this, today we’re up there but tomorrow when we’re finished we’ll be down here. Things like this keep us going.”