The 13-year-old boy appears in court accused of murdering a teenager

A grassroots football club has paid tribute to a former teenage player as a boy appeared in court accused of his murder.

Kory McCrimmon, 16, died on Sunday afternoon at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after being found seriously injured in the city on Friday.

A 13-year-old boy appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with murder and pleaded not guilty.

Easterhouse Football Academy called the death “unthinkable” and said it was a “senseless incident”.

Emergency services were called to Greenfield Park in Eskbank Street at around 8.15pm on Friday to a disturbance where the teenager was found injured.

Court documents show the boy allegedly stabbed Kory in the body with a knife or similar bladed item.

Kory played for Easterhouse Football Academy’s 2008 age group until a few months ago.

In an online statement, a team spokesman said: “Football brings people together and makes teammates and friends for life, happy times, win, lose or draw, but on days like today when we lose a young man in a meaningless incident (is) simply. unimaginable and difficult for Kory’s coaches and teammates, so I can’t imagine what Kory’s family is going through.”

The club also called for more education to try to showcase teenage violence.

Inspector William Downie said there would be a continued police presence in the area over the coming days and appealed for any witnesses to contact police.

He said: “Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and there will be an ongoing police presence in the area. Extra patrols are being carried out and anyone with concerns should speak to an officer.

“There were a lot of people in the park at the time and we’re asking anyone who hasn’t already spoken to officers to get in touch.”

The 13-year-old was hospitalized to be examined and remanded in custody.

He will appear in court again in eight days.