While Arsenal getting a 4-1 victory against Leeds United will grab the headlines, a beautiful story from the contest was also how both sides decided to pay tribute to David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle.
Photo: Arsenal and Leeds United pay tribute to David Rocastle
The Gunners icon lost his life to cancer on April 1, 2001 and 22 years later, both sets of teams decided to celebrate his death anniversary.
As shared by AFC Stuff on Twitter, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard alongside Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper were holding shirts with the name of David Rocastle to pay their respects to a legend of English football.
The Englishman, a skilful playmaker and winger by trade delighted the Highbury faithful with his skills and tricks, and was regarded as the ultimate entertainer when he kickstarted his career in the 80s.
Rocastle also went on to play for other English clubs such as Leeds, Manchester City, Chelsea, whilst going on loan to Norwich City and Hull City.
While David Rocastle did make his name for Arsenal, he also had an impact in a Leeds shirt, which is why it was nice to see both clubs pay homage to a true great of the beautiful game.
More than just a game
Often, football discourse revolves around championing the winners and slating the losers as the sport has a tendency of being tribalistic at times.
Burt ultimately, football has the power to always spread a positive message and to remind its biggest admirers that some things are in fact bigger than the game itself.
Putting the competition at stake for a moment, Arsenal and Leeds did just that by paying tribute to the one and only David Rocastle.
All one can hope for is that Rocastle’s family witnessed the scenes and smiled as the man’s impact continues to be felt.
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