Bristol City fans paid a touching tribute to the club’s head coach Liam Manning after the death of his baby son earlier this month.
Ahead of kick-off in the Championship before City’s match against Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, fans around the stadium gave a minute’s applause for Manning.
The fans also held aloft red and white squares, the colours of the Robins, that made out the words “Fly high, Theo” across Ashton Gate.
Theo was the name of Manning’s baby son, who tragically lost his life earlier this month.
Manning applauded the fans back in emotional scenes at Ashton Gate, who had said before the weekend that he had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support.
“In what has been the most difficult time of mine and my family’s life, it has been truly overwhelming the support we have received from the Bristol City supporters and the wider football family,” Manning said in a statement.
“From the England Under-21s game at Ashton Gate, to the game at Middlesbrough, we have been truly touched by the response and feel proud to have been able to share Theo’s name.”
It came after Bristol City’s match against Middlesbrough at Riverside, where the Boro fans also paid tribute to baby Theo, as well as the players.
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But this was the first home match for Manning after his shocking tragedy, who had taken a leave of absence.
Leeds also posted tribute on social media, writing: “Fly high, Theo.”
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“Finally, life is extremely precious – enjoy the good times, stick together in the tough times, but most importantly make the most of the time that we have,” Manning said.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
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A message from Liam Manning ❤️ pic.twitter.com/21F7es81eR
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) October 25, 2024
A message on the big screen at Ashton Gate also read: “Players and staff today will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to Bristol City Head Coach Liam Manning, his wife Fran, and their son Isaac, following the tragic loss of their recently born son Theo John Manning.
“We are all with you, Gaffer.”