Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is back in the Reds team following the death of his mother
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson holding a shirt in memory of his mum, Helen, pictured ahead of the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham.
Nottingham Forest have paid tribute to Elliot Anderson’s late mother, Helen, ahead of kick-off against Burnley this afternoon.
The England international missed Thursday’s Europa League victory over Porto on Thursday following the family bereavement. He is back in the team against the Clarets today for a huge Premier League clash.
Prior to kick-off at the City Ground, the Reds showed their support for their grieving teammate and his family. A moment’s applause took place as both teams gathered around the centre circle.
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Anderson looked visibly emotional as the whole stadium came together to show their support. A shirt bearing his No.8 and ‘mum’ had been placed in the centre, along with a wreath, while the crowd chanted ‘Geordie Maradona’.
In his programme notes, head coach Vitor Pereira said: “We had very sad news in the week, and I would like to begin by sending condolences to the whole Anderson family at such a difficult time. They are all very much in the thoughts of everyone at the club because family comes first in life, and he has our full support.”
During the midweek win over Porto which clinched the club’s place in the Europa League semi-finals, Forest had also shown their support for Anderson. After scoring what proved to be the only goal of the game, Gibbs-White held up a shirt bearing the midfielder’s name along with the message: “Family first. We are all with you.”
Anderson had subsequently paid an emotional tribute to his mother on Instagram. He said: “Mum, You are the most special person I could of ever met. Laughing, smiling and dancing through every day giving us all such joy and happiness.
“You fought so hard for the past year with huge strength and resilience. The determination you shown made me so unbelievably proud.
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“I am forever grateful for everything you done for our family. You gave your sons the most amazing life and we were ready to pay it all back.
“All we wanted to do was make you proud. I know you are looking down on us and watching everything we do. We are all together. You are my biggest motivation. Rest in peace mum. Love you so much.”
Gibbs-White had fought back tears when he spoke about Anderson after Thursday’s match. He had said: “Really emotional night. It’s a big shame. He’s an incredible kid and no one deserves this, but we’re all with him.”
Forest go into the clash with the Clarets looking to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions. They start the day two points above the bottom three following 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
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