Former footballer Paddy Kenny has expressed outrage after police reportedly demanded an event certificate at a fundraiser for murdered schoolboy Harvey Willgoose. The 15-year-old was stabbed to death at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3 last year.
Police Attendance at Harvey Fest
The event, dubbed Harvey Fest, was held at the Hog's Head pub in Hackenthorpe, South Yorkshire, to raise money for a youth club in memory of Harvey. Stalls included cakes, crafts, jewellery, hook a duck, inflatable axe throwing, and face painting. However, Kenny, a former goalkeeper for Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United, took to social media to vent his anger.
He posted a video on X, saying: 'So I'm just here, at the Harvey Fest. And it's a massive thing for Harvey Willgoose... his mum and dad have put on outside. And look at this - police have turned up asking for an event certificate. What the f*** has this world come to.' He added: 'Unf***ing believeable. I can't catch my f****** breath.'
Background of the Tragedy
Harvey was attacked on his lunch break on February 3, 2023, and died shortly before 4pm despite efforts to save him. Another 15-year-old boy, Mohammed Umar Khan, was arrested on suspicion of murder and later sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.
Community Response
The event was organized with permission from the pub manager and may become an annual occurrence. Harvey's family launched Harvey's Hub, a youth club initiative to provide a safe space for children. Kenny has supported the cause, headlining a fundraising night last month.
Reactions to Kenny's video were mixed. One commenter said: 'This is disgraceful and so disrespectful. Police ought to be ashamed.' Another joked: 'Good news that all other crime in the area is cleared up so they have time for this nonsense.' However, a third alleged: 'Terrible what happened to the boy but if the organisers didn’t do due diligence that’s on them not the police.'
South Yorkshire Police and Paddy Kenny have been contacted for comment.
