Heartless scammers set up fake fundraiser after 'talented young footballer', 14, drowned in the River Thames

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 11:05, 6 August 2026 | Updated: 11:05, 6 August 2026 Heartless scammers have set up a fake fundraiser after a 'talented, young footballer' drowned in the Thames.  Banta Sillah, 14, died on Tuesday after jumping into the water at Millwall Outer Dock during the heatwave.  His football club, Frontline Community FC, paid an emotional tribute yesterday, describing him as a 'much-loved' and a 'true leader'.  Within hours of the tragic teen being named, a GoFundMe appeared with a £6,000 target asking for donations to help pay for his 'burial and a memorial'.   Kindhearted members of the public quickly parted with their hard-earned money, and by last night the page had reached more than £3,000.    But Banta's football club has now urged those who donated to report the page to GoFundMe and to ask for their money back.  People were still able to donate to the fundraiser this morning, but the account had been taken down by the time of publication.  GoFundMe told the Daily Mail that no money had been released to the campaign organiser and all donors have been refunded.   In another sickening twist, the fundraiser's supposed 'organiser' Banta Silluh bears a resemblance to the dead teen's name.  Taking to their Instagram stories last night, the club said it has been unable to verify the page is genuine after making multiple attempts to find out who had set up the page.  The fake fundraiser that appeared on GoFundMe after 14-year-old Banta Sillah was named as the teenage boy who had drowned in the Thames earlier this week  His football club, Frontline Community FC, warned people not to donate to the page and have now set up an official fundraiser  'The family have confirmed they are not aware of this being created on their behalf,' they said.  'The GoFundMe page is unverified and family are unaware! Please report and request a refund immediately!'   In a further post, the club added: 'Following consultation with Banta Sillah’s family, we would like to clarify that the GoFundMe page currently being shared online was not created, authorised or endorsed by the family.  'We kindly ask everyone not to donate to or continue sharing that fundraiser. 'At the request of the Sillah family, Frontline Community has now established and is managing the only official fundraiser on their behalf through LaunchGood.   'If you have already donated to the GoFundMe campaign, we encourage you to report it to GoFundMe and request a refund.' Frontline Community FC added: 'Thank you to everyone who has shown compassion, generosity and respect during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask everyone to continue respecting the family’s wishes and privacy.' A GoFundMe spokesperson said: 'Our team opened a review into this fundraiser shortly after it was created, and it has now been removed. No funds were released and all donors are being refunded.' The Daily Mail has contacted the Met Police for comment.  Banta was captain of Frontline Community FC and was said to have been 'instrumental' in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets cup last week.  Lutfur Rahman, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, paid tribute on social media to the teenager and said he was 'heartbroken' by his death.     'He had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers,' he said.  'My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this devastating loss. The council is doing all it can to support Banta’s family in this difficult time. Floral tributes have been laid at Millwall Outer Dock, on the Isle of Dogs, following Banta's death  A crowd is seen gathered at the scene. Emergency services were called just before 7pm yesterday after reports that a boy had got into difficulty in the water Signs in the area, near Canary Wharf in east London, had warned against 'unauthorised swimming' and 'deep water'  'As we mourn Banta, I urge families to speak with children and young people, we should all be aware of the dangers of swimming in open water. Swimming should only take place in officially designated areas with lifeguards present.' Frontline Community FC posted its own emotional tribute yesterday morning and said the young footballer had just taken his first steps into coaching. In a heartbreaking post on its Instagram page, the club described Banta as a 'true leader' and a 'role model'.     'His leadership was never something that had to be asked of him, it came naturally. His teammates looked up to him, leaned on him for encouragement, motivation and support. He had a positive outlook on life, a kind heart, and was always willing to help others,' the club said.  'More recently, Banta had begun taking his first steps into coaching, volunteering with our Under-12s during the Summer League. In such a short space of time, he built an incredible bond with the players and made a lasting impression through his bubbly character, enthusiasm and care. It was clear that he had the qualities to inspire the next generation. 'Banta’s legacy will live on through every player he encouraged, every teammate he shared the pitch with and every young person whose life he touched. 'We respectfully ask everyone to continue honouring the wishes of Banta’s family by respecting their privacy during this incredibly difficult time. 'We ask Allah (SWT) to forgive Banta, have mercy upon him, expand and illuminate his grave, admit him into Jannatul Firdaus without reckoning, and grant his family and loved ones strength during this unimaginable loss. 'Please keep Banta and his family in your du’as.' Signs in the area, near Canary Wharf in east London, had warned against 'unauthorised swimming' and 'deep water'. One local dogwalker claimed he saw some children 'pressuring' another child to go into the river. The dock has a deck jutting out into the water which is used as a diving and jumping platform, in spite of the warnings. Emergency services were called just before 7pm after reports that a boy had got into difficulty in the water. Despite an extensive search effort, Banta was retrieved from the dock at 10.30pm and pronounced dead.