Oxford united FC
Flowers left for Oxford United goalkeeper Amelia Aplin
The 15-year-old was playing in a Junior Premier League (JPL) match against Fulham at the club’s training facility on Saturday (March 7), when she collapsed on the pitch.
Emergency services, including Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service, attended Oxford Sports Park and transported her to the hospital.
It was then confirmed by the club on Sunday afternoon (March 8) that Amelia had passed away the evening before.
LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin
Oxfordshire and the wider footballing community across the UK have been rocked by the news, with heartfelt tributes pouring in over the past 24 hours.
Yellow flowers, handwritten notes, Oxford United scarves, as well as a football and a goalkeeper shirt with Aplin on the back were all left at Oxford Sports Park today (Monday, March 9).
The club’s first team players and academy held a minute’s silence at the training centre to pay respects on Monday with the club stating Amelia is “forever in our hearts”.
Mourners have come from across the city and beyond to pay their respects to the young shotstopper.
Longtime Oxford community campaigner Amir Steve Ali visited the site to leave a bunch of yellow flowers, being especially moved by having a 15-year-old football-loving daughter himself.
READ MORE: Teenage Oxford United player dies after serious incident during game
He said: “It’s such heartbreaking news. My own daughter is a footballer and the same age as Amelia was, so it’s hit me hard.
“When I went there to lay some flowers to pay tribute and respect, it was a very emotional moment for me.
“I can’t imagine what the girl’s parents must be going through. My thoughts are with them and her loved ones. I pray that she rest in peace.”
Oxford United’s statement said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of 15-year-old Academy player, Amelia Aplin.
READ MORE: Oxford United confirm ‘serious incident’ at girls’ academy game
“Amelia collapsed during a Girls’ Academy game against Fulham at the Club’s Training Centre in Horspath yesterday afternoon.
“The thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Oxford United are with Amelia’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.
“We would like to place on record our appreciation for the efforts of the medical staff at both Oxford United and Fulham Football Club, along with the emergency services.
“The club will offer support to Amelia’s family, players, coaches and staff impacted by this tragic event.
READ MORE: Tributes pour in after death of 15-year-old Oxford United player
“We would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
A statement from the JPL said: “To lose a young player with such promise at just 15 years old is a tragedy that is felt deeply across our football community.”
Martin Brock, chief executive of the JPL, added: “Amelia wasn’t just a goalkeeper, she was a leader and a bright light in our all stars programme.
“Her loss leaves a void in the JPL that words cannot adequately fill. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and his teammates at this unspeakably difficult time.”
READ MORE: Oxford United game postponed after ‘serious incident’ at girls game
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Amelia’s passing.
“My thoughts are with her family, friends, teammates and coaches, and with everyone at Oxford United who will be devastated by this loss.
“Amelia was clearly a talented young player with a love of the game and a bright future ahead of her, and this tragic loss will be felt right across our community.”
Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, added: “This is terribly sad news.
LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin
“My thoughts are with Amelia Aplin’s family, her friends, and everyone at Oxford United at this awful time.”
Liam Walker, Conservative group leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is utterly devastating news.
“My thoughts are with Amelia’s family and all those impacted by this awful loss. She will forever be a yellow.”
A statement from Oxford City FC said: “Everyone associated with Oxford City FC is sending our sincere condolences to the family of Amelia Aplin and to our friends at Oxford United during this incredibly sad time.”
The U’s cancelled out Keshi Anderson’s early opener with Brodie Spencer’s first goal for the club before going ahead through Will Lankshear with nine minutes left.
Andre Dozzell then found a late equaliser to rescue a point for ten-man Pompey who were without Connor Ogilvie who saw red in the first half.
“We could have done, yes, absolutely,” the Yellows boss replied when asked if his side should have won the match.
“We’ve worked so incredibly hard to get our nose in front, to get ahead in the game against really tough opposition in such an incredible atmosphere.
“We feel terribly disappointed that we’re not walking away with all three points there.”
It was another fixture where Oxford saw points evade them, with the recent draw with Charlton Athletic also seeing them concede in the dying embers.
“The Charlton goal and today, are both second phases of [set pieces]. In those moments, you can go over them and over them, but every situation in that is different.
“It’s messy, there are players moving around and it’s about making sure you get attached to someone and in the box.
“We’ve been put in the box today, there’s one player free and the ball’s dropped to him and he’s stuck it away.
“So, we need to make sure we improve on that.”
The red card in the first half angered the home fans, creating an even more feisty atmosphere at Fratton Park, with some items even being thrown after the dismissal.
“I was discussing it with the crowd around me who wanted to give me their opinions and they were a little bit more accepting of it after half-time when they’d seen it back,” revealed Bloomfield.
“I’ve not seen it back yet so I probably should wait before I comment.
“Stan’s dribbling the ball, gets scythed down and it’s all his fault that the player got sent off,” the U’s boss remarked sarcastically.
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“So, he’s getting stuff thrown at him (by the crowd).
“Obviously you don’t want to see those kinds of situations. But considering the circumstances, I think it’s always going to be that way inclined.”
“It’s a fantastic place, an incredible atmosphere.”
Bloomfield also offered his two cents on the challenge which could have seen Spencer shown a second yellow card.
“From my opinion, I think it was a very clever play from the Portsmouth player.
“He’s felt Brodie trying to get back [and] cut across him, tried to get contact and go down, which is obviously an intelligent play.
“So I haven’t seen it back yet and I don’t know what kind of contact there was, if any.”
Oxford United travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth in a Championship relegation six-pointer.
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Pompey left back Connor Ogilvie was sent off after 21 minutes for a strong challenge on Stan Mills, whilst Brodie Spencer evaded a second yellow card in the second half.
At a malicious Fratton Park, Oxford thought they had found a winner when Will Lankshear put them 2-1 up with nine minutes left, only for Andre Dozzell to equalise six minutes later.
Keshi Anderson has given the hosts an early lead before Spencer levelled instantly in the second period, scoring his first goal for the U’s.
“My take on the red in real time was…I didn’t think anyone in this stadium was expecting it to be a red, including Oxford,” former Yellows captain Mousinho reacted after the game.
“Oxford’s bench’s reaction…no-one’s asking for anything.
“In these circumstances, when the stakes are so high, you tend to do that. As a manager, as a coaching staff, I didn’t think it was a red card.
“I think if you’re going to do something as monumental as that in a game, you have to be 100% sure.
“I’m not going to hide away from the fact that I don’t think Connor needs to make the challenge. But if that’s a red card, there’s going to be a fair few red cards dished out over the next few weeks.
A debatable red but can see why it was given. Cuts across Mills and is reckless, arguably out of control after the ball goes.
Pompey fans fuming.#oufc 🟡
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) April 6, 2026
“My thought in the moment was it wasn’t red and when I’ve seen it back, I don’t think it was.
“There was a heavy challenge that went in on one of my players, then you can talk about the consistency of a decision for the red card versus yellow card.
“My issue with the Spencer one was just to clear up that second yellow.
“There was no need for anything other to happen. Spencer being booked and he ended up getting sent off. Everyone in the crowd knew it.
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“Everyone on the ground knew it. We knew it. Oxford knew it
“They whipped him off straight away. They’re not idiots. He was almost laughing on the bench.
“Not in a disrespectful way, but I couldn’t believe what had actually happened.
“It was such a strange decision.
“I think we’ll definitely appeal [the Ogilvie red card.”
“We would have been really disappointed with the point before the game.
“But with the circumstances, obviously, the red card and playing that long with 10 men and also going a goal down late on. We’ll take it and dust ourselves off and move on.”
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