Borussia Dortmund fans create emotional tribute to supporter who died during victory against Mainz at Signal Iduna Park
- A fan died during Sunday's game between Borussia Dortmund and Mainz
- Borussia Dortmund president Reinhard Rauball has since paid tribute
- Another fan is also in a stable condition in hospital following a heart attack
Borussia Dortmund's famous Yellow Wall paid tribute to a fan who died during their Bundesliga match against Mainz on Sunday.
An 80-year-old supporter watching the Bundesliga clash suffered a fatal heart attack while sitting in the south-west stand of Signal Iduna Park.
The stadium's famous atmosphere gradually became silent in the second half of the game as news of the man's death slowly spread between both sets of fans.
Another fan is also in a stable condition in hospital following a heart attack during the same match.
Dortmund fans hold up their scarves and sing 'You Never Walk Alone' for a fan who died of a heart attack
Dormund's players line up to show their respects after the death of a fan during the German Bundesliga game
.@BVB fans and players pay tribute to a fan who sadly passed away during their match against @Mainz05en. https://t.co/j4IEXLGN8w
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) March 13, 2016
Former Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa secured all three points for the hosts in the 73rd minute of the 2-0 win – but the Japanese international refused to celebrate, as did the fans.
The Borussia Dortmund players joined the supporters at the full time whistle as 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung by both sets of fans.
Marco Reus opened the scoring for the German side and admitted: '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.'
Borussia Dortmund president Reinhard Rauball told Sky Sports: 'In the name of Borussia Dortmund, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those affected. Our thoughts are with them.
'We were informed pretty quickly in the stands of what had happened from that moment on, the game fell right into the background. I could no longer concentrate on it.
Reinhard Rauball said his club's thoughts were with the family and friends of a fan who died on Sunday
A message on the big screen informs fans and players of the death of a fan during the Bundesliga game
'The fans' reaction was spontaneous. I've never experienced anything like it. I can only pay a huge compliment to all of the fans for the way in which they expressed their sorrow and respect in this way, in a unified manner.
'I take my hat off to the Mainz fans who, without exception, joined us in mourning and stopped supporting their team.
'The scarves held in the air when 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung has my utmost respect. It shows how deeply rooted honour and respect of each other exists and can be expressed in such a short period of time, and I can only take my hat off to that.'
Dortmund's Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa refuses to celebrate netting the winner on Sunday afternoon
Most Bundesliga clubs immediately showed their solidarity with Dortmund and paid their tributes to the deceased in response to a Tweet by Dortmund which confirmed what had happened.
Dortmund's players lined up arm in arm in front of the Sudtribune - South Stand - as You'll Never Walk Alone was sung by the entire stadium following the final whistle.
'Prayers & thoughts to the fan we sadly lost today at the stadium, as well as to our 2nd fan now at hospital,' tweeted midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan while full back Marcel Schmelzer also paid his respects on social media.
- Crazy: Man uses rocket launcher to remove his socks
- Floyd Mayweather and Rmarni Eliss hit the club in Miami
- Incredible drone footage shows daredevils jump off cliff
- Dortmund players and fans in fitting tribute to dead fan
- Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn shows off her intensive workout
- Claudio Ranieri claims he hasn't looked at the league table
- Deflated Arsene Wenger reacts to Arsenal's FA Cup exit
- Rafa Benitez insists he can keep Newcastle up despite defeat
- Marko Arnautovic has a kick about in garden with his brother
- Hilarious moment Kompany blasts the ball on Aguero's face
- Shocking footage of Jews in Auschwitz concentration camp
- Leicester manager urges team to remain calm as they top...
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell: football’s greatest...
- Arsene Wenger could walk if Arsenal fans continue to...
- Man City 0-0 Dynamo Kiev (3-1 agg) UEFA Champions League...
- Floyd Mayweather enjoys night out in Miami with New Look...
- Manchester United should sign Paul Pogba, Luka Modric and...
- Leicester 1-0 Newcastle: Shinji Okazaki's acrobatic strike...
- Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be managing his last game...
- Barcelona star Dani Alves: 'I'm no Lionel Messi but I am in...
- Arsenal and Manchester City are out of the title race......
- Conor McGregor takes some downtime with his girlfriend after...
- Radamel Falcao: Manchester United was complicated... they...
- Chris Evert shocked at Maria Sharapova positive test but...