Alfreton Town cancel their match after death of Macclesfield FC's Ethan McLeod
The Macclesfield FC player was involved in a car crash
Last updated 18th Dec 2025
Alfreton Town have postponed their match with Macclesfield FC after the death of player Ethan McLeod.
The 21-year-old forward for Macclesfield was driving back from the Silkmen's National League North match against Bedford on Tuesday night when the incident occurred on the M1.
In a statement on the club's website, Alfreton Town said: "In light of the recent tragic passing of Macclesfield FC player, Ethan McLeod, our game scheduled for this weekend has been postponed.
Rescheduled match details will be shared in due course. For now, our deepest condolences and thoughts are with everyone associated with Macclesfield FC at this difficult time."
Announcing his passing, Macclesfield said in a statement on the club website: "(It is) with the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
"Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1 which tragically took his life.
"Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our first-team squad who had his whole life ahead of him. But, more than that, Ethan's infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with.
'Devastated our entire club'
"News of Ethan's passing has devastated our entire club and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
"The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan's passing will undeniably never heal - but, one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan's vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
"Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore and, no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
'Deeply traumatic time'
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan's family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace Ethan - you will forever be a Silkman."
Messages of condolence flooded in from the football world, with the Professional Footballers' Association posting in a message on X: "This is such tragic news. The thoughts of everyone at the PFA are with Ethan's family, friends, team-mates and loved ones. Rest In Peace, Ethan."