Family renews appeal for tribute ‘clap’ at Goodison for stab victim Matthew Daulby

The family of stab victim Matthew Daulby have renewed their call for Everton fans to join them in a special tribute to the teenager.

They want people to remember the staunch Evertonian and season ticket holder with a round of applause in the 19^th minute of their game against Arsenal on Sunday, September 17.

Mathew’s cousin, Adam McCoy, says it would mean so much to his family, including his mum and dad, Angela and Gary, who will be in Goodison stadium on the day.

He says: “Matthew’s name is going to be in the programme and there will be a picture of him on the large screens, but the round of applause would mean the world to them.

“As well as being a season ticket holder and fan, Matthew was a mascot for the club when he was nine years old.

“This would be a lovely way for us to commemorate him.”

Matthew, 19, from Lydiate, was killed on a night out with friends.

Police were called to an ongoing disturbance in Railway Road, Ormskirk, in the early hours of July 29. Matthew was found with stab injuries a short distance away and, despite efforts by the emergency services, died later in hospital.

Adam says: “We are a very close family and obviously we are heartbroken by what’s happened.

“Matthew was so giving with his time, with his family, his cousins, and his friends. He loved music and going to festivals, he loved life.

“There weren’t enough hours in the day for Matthew, he just loved being out and socialising. He was a real collector of people.

“Even now he’s not with us, we are being approached by people who knew him, telling us how he was so caring for others.  We are so proud of him.”

He says life will never be the same for the family: “It’s something you never expect will happen to you, and someone you love so much.

“It’s hard to imagine our life without him.”

But Adam adds: “If Matthew was at a match and there were plans to commemorate someone, he would 100% support it, he was such a kind and compassionate person – and we hope others will do the same for him.

“We want to make sure we keep Matthew’s memory alive and do something special at the club he loved. It will be very emotional for his family if it happens, but such an amazing tribute.  There is so much support already, so we hope everyone keeps sharing the message and the appeal.”

Adam hopes it might also raise awareness, especially among Everton’s younger fans: “Matthew was outgoing with a zest for life. People think crime like this only happens to people in gangs or those involved with drugs, but it happens to ordinary people like Matthew too.

“He went on a night out and never came home. And that shouldn’t happen to anyone.”

Everton say they are liaising with Matthew’s family, who will be guests of the club at the Arsenal match.

A spokesperson adds: “Fan groups are already sharing tribute ideas, including applause in the 19^th minute, and obviously we will fully support those initiatives.”

Fans are asked to retweet the tribute appeal and remember to tag @Everton

Henry Houghton, 18, of Barrison Green, Scarisbrick, has been charged with murder and remanded into custody.

Lancashire Police say a 20-year-old man from Ormskirk, also arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on conditional bail until October 30; and two 19-year-old men – one from Liverpool and another from Melling – who were arrested on suspicion of affray, have been released on bail until October 14.

Five further people arrested as part of Lancashire Police’ enquiries have also been released on bail.

Police have appealed to anyone with information or CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage which could assist the investigation to come forward calling 101, and quoting log 1007 of July 29, 2023. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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