Borussia Dortmund fans were involved in a classy gesture which truly epitomised the spirit of football.
An 80-year-old fan collapsed during the match due to a massive heart attack in the south-west stand of the famous 81000 capacity Signal Iduna Park stadium as the match between Borussia Dortmund and Mainz was in progress.
Dortmund’s famous atmosphere was very much muted when the news filtered through with the entire second half of the game almost being played in silence. Fans did not even react when Kagawa scored a goal in the second half.
Another fan was also reported to have suffered a heart attack, but thankfully he survived.
Marco Reus who scored the opening goal for Dortmund in the first half said:
"On the pitch, we had no idea what was going on and were initially irritated by the silence.
"But, straight after the game, our coach Thomas Tuchel came to us and explained what had happened. It obviously put a shadow over the game and compliment to the fans for the way they behaved."
Reinhard Rauball, the German FA's interim president told Sky in Germany: "I have never experienced something like that, where the supporters were united in expressing their grief and respect.
"I also take my hat off to Mainz for the way they gave their support."
At the final whistle, Dortmund’s fans gathered and sang an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as a tribute to the 80-year-old fan.
Dortmund’s win on Sunday kept them five points behind Bayern Munich in the race for the Bundesliga title, but incidents like this really put the importance of football into perspective.
Dortmund’s fans must be really appreciated for their classy gesture with the raised scarves and YNWA rendition really creating a moving tribute.
