Oxford United paid tribute to academy player Amelia Aplin before and during their win against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday
Published March 12, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
By Dan George BBC Sport at the Kassam Stadium
Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield said the club wanted to "pay their respects in the best possible way" after the passing of one of their academy players.
Teenager Amelia Aplin collapsed during a game against Fulham at the club's training centre in Horspath on Saturday afternoon before tragically passing away.
The Us held a minute's silence prior to kick-off during Wednesday's Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers with an applause held during the 15th minute.
Both sets of players walked out without music prior to kick-off, with Bloomfield's side sealing a 1-0 win against their relegation rivals.
"We had Amelia in our hearts tonight," Bloomfield told BBC Radio Oxford.
"I really wanted to do the evening justice with our performance. Nothing can replace what her poor parents have suffered this weekend and what they have lost.
"But we wanted as a football club to pay our respects in the best possible way, respectfully off the pitch and then to try and put a performance in on the pitch that hopefully made a few people smile this evening."
Oxford beat fellow relegation strugglers Blackburn to mark a third consecutive win in the league and boost their hopes of remaining in the Championship.
Despite the result, Bloomfield reflected on the moving tributes and what was an emotional night for the club.
"Oxford United is one special football club," Bloomfield added.
"I hope that tonight we represented her and her family with the dignity and respect that she deserved."