FRIENDS of a “cracking bloke” who died on his way to a football match want to raise money to buy a flag in his memory.

Chris East, who lived in East Finchley and is a former student of Fortismere School, Muswell Hill, had a heart attack while on his way to see Barnet FC play Hartlepool United on Saturday.

The 19-year-old’s friends also want fans to stand up during the 19th minute of the next game and clap in his honour.

Charlie Cassen and Joe Cullum, 23, have now started a crowdfunding campaign to buy a flag, which will cost £700 and feature a photo of their friend, which they will take to all home and away matches.

Charlie met Chris when he was 10 and they would regularly watch games together.

The 21-year-old told the Times Series: “He was the most loyal fan, he’d go up and down the country and go on his own if nobody else was free.

“It’s such a small club and such a tight community – we have grown up together. It was something we had in common and enjoyed such memorable days together.

“He was a cracking bloke. He was the sweetest kid and didn’t gave a bad bone in his body. He lived and died for Barnet FC.

“You just don’t think something like that will happen. It’s not sunk in yet. For as long as I can remember, he’s always been at matches. It’s going to be strange.”

Chris had suffered from heart problems but his death, which happened on the bus, was sudden and unexpected.

He also had problems with his eyesight but he had “so much charisma” and still travelled far and wide to see his team play.

Peter Roden is best friends with Chris’s brother, Joe East, and has known him for 12 years.

He said: “He was a lively, cheeky, funny young boy – and a polite, charming, and loving young man.

“Chris was a typical younger brother, desperate to get in with the cooler older brothers friends, and would insult his brother relentlessly and hilariously to get our attention.

“I never viewed him as a pesky younger brother but a funny, sarcastic member of the group.

“A long time has passed since these early encounters and Chris has grown from chirpy little brother, to a fully grown man, brimming with confidence and independence.

“He had big ambitions and it’s a tragedy he was unable to fulfil them.”

Peter also paid tribute to Chris’s mother who was “always there for him” and helped spur his confidence as well as his brother, Joe, calling him his “new brother”.

Former school friend Jack Bennett told the Times Series: “He was genuinely one of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet.. Never had a bad word to say about anyone and got along with absolutely everyone he met.

“He was so loved by everyone who knew him and it’s an absolute tragedy he can no longer be here with us.”

To donate to the campaign to buy a flag visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/ChrisEastBFC