A COMMUNITY is in mourning after the sudden death of a much-loved amateur footballer.

John Fowler, from Wishaw, was found dead at his Lanarkshire home on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was well-known in the community having played for amateur side Cambusnethan Talbot.

Police Scotland said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a post mortem is expected to take place in due course. 

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money for his funeral and so far mourners have collected over £2,000.

A statement on the page says: "John was a great man, son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.

"He would light up any room he walked into and always made people smile and laugh, even if it was with his terrible dancing.

"If you could spare a little it would help a lot to lighten the load at this most heaviest of times. Thank you.

"Sleep easy John, you're a true gentleman. RIP."

Tributes poured in online on the social networking site Facebook.

Ross McEwan said: "Still in complete shock with the news about John Fowler.

"What a brilliant guy and like so many others have said, you will be missed everyday.

"I have so many happy memories of us at school, football and just hanging about having a laugh.

"Thinking of his family and everyone close to him. RIP John. One of the best."

His football team also shared an image of the player on Twitter with the his shirt number seven and heartbroken emoji. 

Other amateur sides also paid tribute to the footballer.

Dykehead Dynamos said: "Sad news for amateur football on the passing of john fowler thoughts go out to all friends and family at this sad time. From all at Dykehead Dynamos R.I.P bro."

AFC Ravenscraig tweeted: "The Club would like to pass on our condolences to the family of John Fowler and all at Cambusnethan Talbot. Thoughts and prayers with you all."

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