Shoreham air crash: Newcastle match postponed as clubs pay tribute to victims

“He was an absolute diamond”.

A statement given on behalf of his parents and brothers, David and Paul, said: “The family are in total shock at losing our dearest son Matthew so tragically at 23 years old”.

Eleven people are now thought to have died after a plane crashed into a West Sussex main road during an air show, police have said.

The family added: “In his 23 years we can honestly say he never lost his temper”.

“Matt, a member of the club’s ground staff at the club’s training facility in Lancing, a keen amateur footballer and talented goalkeeper, was on his way to play for Worthing United against Loxwood in the Southern Combination Premier Division at Lyons Way, along with his Mavericks teammate Jacob”.

“Jacob, who was also 23 years of age, small in stature and a tenacious midfielder, also very skilful with a eye for goal”.

Joe Hall, from Portslade, who played football with Matt from youth to senior level at Mile Oak FC has paid tribute to him on Facebook.

Newcastle United’s under-21 fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion has been postponed following the Shoreham air disaster.

He became an apprentice groundsman in 2013 and was given a full-time role after successfully completing his apprenticeship.

Brighton manager Chris Hughton said: “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this news”.

“My thoughts go out to the entire Grimstone family and those of his team mate Jacob Schilt who also was unfortunately involved yesterday”.

Taking to social media, he said: “I hope we’re all feeling pretty blessed to be waking up alive this morning”.

“He was probably the most technically gifted player we had in the squad”.

“At this time we are continuing to search… the area to ensure that we have identified all the casualties”.

Little Common FC wrote on Twitter: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to all those who were affected by the tragic events in Shoreham yesterday”.

It came after police revealed that they believe 11 people died when the jet fighter ploughed into traffic on the busy A27 dual carriageway after failing to pull out of a loop manoeuvre, with a warning that figure may rise to as many as 20.

Supt Derrick would not comment on earlier speculation that the dead included two cyclists, but said there were “a number of people and bikes at the scene and the officers are working through that at the moment”.

A crane will be brought in to lift the wreckage of the aircraft today and police said they fear it will be at that point they find more bodies.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said the status of the jet’s ejector seats was yet to be determined.