Panathinaikos owner considering chartering a private plane for George Baldock’s devastated team-mates and club staff to attend their late player’s funeral next week

The owner of Panathinaikos is considering chartering a plane to allow the Greek club’s devastated players and staff to attend the funeral of George Baldock.

Sources close to the Super League side have disclosed that Giannis Alafouzos is looking into whether it is possible to make the gesture ahead of what promises to be an emotional occasion on October 30.

Much-loved Baldock passed away earlier this month at the age of just 31. An English-born Greek international, he was playing for Panathinaikos at the time following a long stint at Sheffield United where he made 219 appearances – including 83 in the Premier League.

As Mail Sport previously reported, Alafaouzos is also examining the best way of protecting Baldock’s young family and is looking into whether honouring the player’s three-year contract is the best way of doing so.

Baldock, who won 12 caps for Greece, was found dead in the pool of his apartment in the south of Athens. 

Panathinaikos are keen to pay tribute to their late player George Baldock after his death earlier this month

Majority shareholder Giannis Alafouzos is said to be looking into the possibility of arranging for players and staff to attend his funeral

Baldock’s former club Sheffield has been receiving tributes in the wake of his tragic passing

His fiancée had returned home to the UK with the couple’s young son to celebrate his first birthday. The defender was set to fly out the following day.

Baldock’s death was met with a huge outpouring of grief from Blades fans and the wider world of football.