'Football family' to remember fans who have died

A memorial tribute to football fans will take place ahead of a Premier League clash later.

Sunderland AFC's Heaven Branch has asked fans to hold up pictures of loved ones during one minute of applause, ahead of the 20:00 GMT kick-off.

The Black Cats will take on Manchester City at the Stadium of Light where a win could lift them into a Champions League spot, after their eight-year hiatus from the Premier League.

Joanne Youngson, 48, who co-founded the group, said: "Please help us out and hold it up [a picture] on behalf of family members who can't get there. We'll have all our heavenly fans with us."

The heaven branch was created by Ms Youngson and fellow Sunderland supporter Billy Wright in 2021, to help fans cope with the loss of a loved one, following the loss of two of their closest friends.

"When we lose a Sunderland [AFC] fan, the community comes together. You know the football family come together," she said.

She said the group had grown to a membership of more than 600 fans and regularly help families of supporters with funeral arrangements.

Lost fans can also take pitch clippings from the hallowed turf on their final journey.

Ms Youngson said: "It's [the tribute] to remember that person isn't missed or isn't forgotten."

Families of fans who have passed away will take photos of their loved ones to hold up at the match during the one-minute of applause.

Those who cannot attend from across the world have sent pictures to the group, who will place them on seats in the South Stand for fellow fans to help hold up.

The names of those who have passed way within the last 12 months will be displayed on the scoreboards.

Sunderland lost club legend Gary Rowell, 68, last month - 50 years to the day he made his debut for the Black Cats.

"Gary was a legend in this area. We will sing his song, will sing his name forever," said Ms Youngson.

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