FRIENDS AND FAMILY of a popular Southampton doorman gathered to compete in a FIFA tournament last weekend.

Leon Nortey, a well-respected bouncer from Southampton, was found dead at his home in the Polygon last week.

Last Sunday, 340 people turned up to Aroma Lounge, organised by the 1ummah charity for a day of food and FIFA.

Two teams of two – Evar Khidr and Saman Kadiri versus Imran Khan and Punnit Thakrar – battled it out in the 12-hour tournament.

Flora Wilson, a close friend of Leon said: “With the sudden passing of our friend, we wanted to celebrate and remember Leon the best way we knew how whilst also raising money for his funeral fund.

“Leon loved football and regularly played FIFA. The bringing together of the community in this way meant we raised over £1,800. Although his passing has left us all devastated, we know he would’ve been there with us in spirit and we’re just happy to we could also give something back for him.”

The former Southampton Solent University student worked at venues across the city including Tokyo, Buddha, CoCo Bar and Lounge and Oceana.

Leon’s fundraising drive will continue on Sunday when friends and family will gather at Coco Bar and Lounge for a 12-hour fundraising memorial barbecue.