The family of a keen Brentford sports fan who died while playing a Sunday League game have paid tribute to the football loving grandad.

Stephen Ritchie died after a fight between his team, the Old Greenfordians and the opposition Kingshill Town, after the blow of the final whistle on Sunday.

Police and paramedics were called to Little Harlington Playing Fields in Sipson Lane, and at around 1.05pm and the 43-year-old was pronounced dead.

A postmortem examination took place on Monday which gave the cause of death as head injuries.

In a statement released today Mr Ritchie’s family said: “The devastating death of Steve last Sunday has suddenly removed from his family and friends a good-humoured, family man and a keen sports fan.

“Steve's love of football was well known but the memories held by his family are also of determination to get the best out of each day, willingness to help, love of family life and finding laughter and humour in all of life's daily adventures.

“Stephen will be sorely missed by his partner Tracie and her daughters Lauren and Lucy his mum, Lily Hutter, step-father Louis Hutter and brother Dave Ritchie.

“Stephen was close to his daughter Leah and was incredibly proud to be a grand father to Leah and her partner Greg's daughter Isabella who was born in April 2007.”

"There is no possible way that the family can begin to comprehend what has happened to Steve, his presence in their lives was bigger than his shadow.

"Everyone who knew Steve from his many interests will however agree that he would not want sadness or despair to be his memory; he would insist that only the good thoughts must be carried forward and will be the epitaph of a good father, brother, grandfather, son and man.”

Two men have been charged in connection Mr Ritchie’s death.

Darren Forwood, 20, of Frays Avenue, West Drayton is charged with murder and Brandon Thompson, also aged 20, of Widmore Drive, Hillingdon is charged with actual bodily harm.

They have both been remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on March 10, next year.