The Rocking Ref, Barry Sweeney, confirmed dead as his cause of death is unknown

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that The Rocking Ref, Barry Sweeney, confirmed dead as his cause of death is unknown.

According to information, Barry Sweeney was known as the father of MH17 victim, Liam Sweeney.

According to information, his cause of death is unknown. Fans have taken to social media to pen tributes to him. 

Reactions below

Michael: Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of Barry Sweeney, a legend in local football and a genuinely lovely bloke, all our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. 

Rest in peace the Rocking Ref. 

Charlie: RIP Barry Sweeney. 🙏 A great character on the local football scene & top referee. Thoughts with all of his family. 

Grace: RIP Barry Sweeney. 

Many will know Barry as the father of MH17 victim Liam Sweeney. Barry was a huge Newcastle fan and very active in the local football community, really sad news.. 

Angeles: A sad day today for the Toon Army. We have lost a huge fan who some will only know as the dad of MH17 victim Liam Sweeney. 

I myself was lucky to call Barry Sweeney a friend and he will be sorely missed by all. 

R.I.P Barry, reunited with your boy and you, always be remembered.”

Barry Sweeney’s son Liam, 28, was travelling to New Zealand with fellow supporter John Alder, 63, to watch the Magpies in a pre-season friendly. The pair were killed alongside 296 others who were on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 when it was attacked while travelling from Amsterdam to Malaysia on July 17, 2014.. 

On Thursday afternoon, three people were convicted of the murders of all 298 people on board the MH17 flight and sentenced to life imprisonment. They were Russians defendants Igor Girkin and Sergey Dubinskiy, and Ukrainian defendant Leonid Kharchenko.

A fourth defendant, Oleg Pulatov, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The Russian, who was represented by defence lawyers, had insisted he was innocent in a video recording played in court.