Arsenal and Sheffield United pay tribute to Sgt Matt Ratana by dressing seats ahead of match

Arsenal and Sheffield United have unveiled a touching memorial to the late Metropolitan Police officer Matt Ratana – who was tragically shot dead inside a police station last week.

The 54-year-old was fired upon while preparing to search a handcuffed suspect who managed to smuggle a weapon into the custody suite in Croydon on September 25. 

The shocking news was greeted with widespread shock from the sporting world, and both Premier League clubs have shared emotional tributes to Mr Ratana ahead of their clash on Sunday.

Arsenal and Sheffield United paid a touching tribute to the late Met Police officer Matt Ratana

The home shirts of both clubs dressed two seats at the Emirates and were flanked by a uniform

Several seats at the Emirates have been dressed with club shirts adorned with Mr Ratana’s name on the back flanking a Met Police uniform.

A joint message from the clubs read: ‘Sergeant Ratana served in the Hackney area between 2010 and 2015, and was the centrepiece of community policing.

‘Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.’ 

Teams have also fallen silent for a minute before kick-off at several top flight games in honour of Mr Ratana.