Portsmouth director Eric Eisner donates £500 to Basher Benfield's family after touching Twitter tribute

Pompey director Eric Eisner has made an emotional tribute to ‘friend’ Basher Benfield – and donated £500 to his grieving family.
Neil Allen
By Neil Allen
Published 13th Oct 2020, 11:26 BST
Pompey director Eric Eisner has donated £500 towards a GoFundMe campaign in honour of much-loved Pompey fan Basher Benfield. Picture: Joe PeplerPompey director Eric Eisner has donated £500 towards a GoFundMe campaign in honour of much-loved Pompey fan Basher Benfield. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey director Eric Eisner has donated £500 towards a GoFundMe campaign in honour of much-loved Pompey fan Basher Benfield. Picture: Joe Pepler

Blues fanatic Benfield passed away at QA Hospital on Sunday evening after suffering from ill health for a number of years.

A hugely popular and well-known figure, in recent times he served as chairman of the Portsmouth Disabled Supporters’ Association and attended the Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference.

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Through his work representing fans, Benfield befriended Eisner, a Pompey board member and director of owners Tornante.

On Monday evening, following the 56-year-old’s passing, Eisner posted a touching Tweet paying his respects to the late Blues supporter.

He wrote: ‘This is really sad news. Basher was a fantastic gentleman who was a true Pompey fan and loved the club as much as anyone could.

‘He was an encyclopedia of football knowledge. It was an honor to know him and call him a friend. Sad sad news’.

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What’s more, with friend Jodie Spill having set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Benfield’s funeral and aid his family, Eisner contributed £500.

Basher Benfield, former chairman of Portsmouth Disabled Supporters Association, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 56. Picture: Sarah StandingBasher Benfield, former chairman of Portsmouth Disabled Supporters Association, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 56. Picture: Sarah Standing
Basher Benfield, former chairman of Portsmouth Disabled Supporters Association, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 56. Picture: Sarah Standing

That has enabled the target of £1,000 to be smashed, within 24 hours of the account’s creation.

Presently £1,210 has been raised by Pompey supporters, which will be used to help his family with financial challenges ahead.

Eric Eisner, son of Pompey chairman Michael, is presently in Los Angeles and has been unable to visit Fratton Park since lockdown was introduced in March.

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Meanwhile, a number of supporters are calling for a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off in Saturday’s game against Doncaster in tribute to Benfield.

To contribute toward Benfield’s crowdfunding campaign, click HERE.

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Related topics:PortsmouthTwitterQA HospitalBluesFratton Park

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