Friends pay tribute to 'talented young referee' killed in Tunisia beach attack

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Joel Richards, Patrick Evans and Adrian Evans were all fans of Walsall FC. Credit: ITV News Central

Described as a "quality lad" who was always positive and always smiling.

Joel Richards, 19, from Wednesbury in the West Midlands, was a talented football referee.

He was named as one of the 15 Britons killed during the Tunisia terrorist attack on Friday.

His friends and colleagues from Birmingham County FC said they were "devastated" to hear the news.

The beach attack also claimed the lives of two other members of his family from the West Midlands, his uncle Adrian Evans and Patrick Evans his granddad.

Alex Shaw, one of Joel's friends, described his granddad as the 19-year-olds "biggest fan".

He said he was always at every game and was a massive part of his life.

A chair has been left in tribute outside Birmingham Country FA for Joel Richards and his granddad. Credit: ITV News Central

Joel has been described as "a young talented referee with the world at his feet" by Birmingham County FA.

His friend Des Pugh said he was always someone "who was going to go to the very top".

Joel Richards (fourth from the left) pictured in his role as a referee.

His younger brother Owen Richards, is reported to have survived the terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of three other family members.

Read: Teenager comforts woman despite losing three family members in Tunisia attack