Charlton and Dean Holden pay tribute to Jay family on anniversary on son Ben’s death during win at Exeter

Charlton boss Dean Holden paid tribute to the Jay family on the anniversary of the death of their son Ben.

The Addicks players held up a shirt bearing Ben’s name during the victory over Exeter City at St James Park on Saturday – played a year to the day after the young supporter passed away following a battle with a rare form of liver cancer.

Goal scorer Jes Rak-Sakyi was shown a yellow card for displaying the shirt with the message printed on it.

Ben had visited the training ground and became close with a number of the Charlton squad during his illness.

Holden handed the shirt to a friend of Ben’s dad Garry following the final whistle in Devon.

The Addicks boss said: “His mother and father Sharon and Garry came in yesterday [to the club’s Sparrows Lane training ground].

“I had a really good chat with them. It’s important that we show that we’re a club united. That was a fantastic moment.

“It’s my fault Jes got booked. I didn’t think it was in the rule book about any messaging, I thought it was just political. That’s not to worry about. It was a great moment.

“They’ll be watching at home. His father’s mate was here today, and he got the shirt at the end. It shows what a great group we’ve got here.

“They’ve suffered terribly with Ben’s passing. It’s a year ago today. We wanted to show everyone that the club is united. The players with the fans and the fans with the players.”

PHOTO: SEAN GOSLING