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Topics: Liam Payne, Music, Football, Celebrity
Jess Battison
Topics: Liam Payne, Music, Football, Celebrity
A month after his death, the funeral for Liam Payne was held yesterday (20 November).
The private service was held in the Home Counties with several famous faces in attendance, including the star’s One Direction bandmates, Simon Cowell and Adrian Chiles – who wore a West Brom jacket.
The 31-year-old singer died on 16 October after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
An investigation has since been launched into his death with three people charged in connection with the incident.
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Following Payne’s father, Geoff, flying out to cooperate with authorities, his body was brought back over to the UK.
Mourners at his funeral yesterday donned classic all black, while writer and TV presenter Chiles wore the football training jacket over his suit.
This was a special tribute from the 57-year-old, who had bonded with the singer over their love for West Brom.
Chiles wasn’t necessarily just wearing the jacket to keep warm but as a mark of Payne being a huge Baggies fan.
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The BBC Radio 5 live host said: “I got to know him when he first did X Factor.
“He came up to me and said 'up the Albion' - he was a West Brom fan. Just as a sign as to how massive he was, I remember we snuck him into a Boxing Day game and I think his mum and dad came and sat with me.
"But we managed to secrete our man up in the commentary gantry so he didn't get bothered. Then a friend of mine texted me to ask 'why are West Brom trending number one on Twitter?' I went, ‘well it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted he was here and the whole world went mad for it.’”
Following the star’s death, the championship team shared a photo of him at their home stadium, the Hawthorns.
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It said in a statement: “We're shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne.
“Our thoughts are with Liam's family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time."
Born in the West Midlands, the ‘For You’ singer was known to be a ‘huge West Brom supporter’.
When Payne’s son, Bear, - who he shared with Cheryl - was born in 2017, the team even sent him a customised shirt.
Former professional footballer Robbie Keane, who played alongside the star in Soccer Aid, was also in attendance yesterday.
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He previously shared on social media: “So sad to hear this terrible news. Liam was such a loveable person when I spent time with him @SoccerAid and with close friends in Dubai. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP Liam.”