In the early hours of Monday morning, Christopher Aurier — the 26-year-old brother of Tottenham defender Serge Aurier — was shot dead not far from a nightclub in the west suburbs of Toulouse.
Christopher himself was a footballer who played for the RC Lens academy before stops in England, Qatar and Belgium. To commemorate his life, friends gathered at the Stade des Minimes, a local pitch where they played together, to pay tribute to him.
On Wednesday, just two days after the fatal shooting, Serge also decided to pay tribute to the life of his brother by electing to play in Tottenham’s match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
@Serge_aurier starts at St. James' Park.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 15, 2020
After what must have been an incredibly difficult week, we have the utmost respect for Serge Aurier who starts for @SpursOfficial this afternoon.
Our most sincere condolences go out to Serge and his family. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/pol7NRoyLO— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 15, 2020
#THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/0dra8eZ8Te
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 15, 2020
“We would always support his decision,” José Mourinho said. “Every person has different ways to face tragedies like this one and he asked to play. Tomorrow he goes to France to see his mom.”
Aurier went the full 90 in Tottenham’s 3-1 win, completing a joint-best four tackles, four clearances and one interception while negating the threat of Miguel Almirón.
The victory keeps Spurs in the Europa League hunt and above Arsenal with only two matches remaining — Leicester City (July 19) and Crystal Palace (July 26).
