Nottingham Forest pay emotional tribute to Elliot Anderson's late mother ahead of Burnley clash | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest paid an emotional tribute to Elliot Anderson’s late mother, Helen, before kick-off against Burnley at the City Ground. The England international was back in the team after missing Thursday’s Europa League victory following the bereavement.

According to Nottingham Post, both teams gathered around the centre circle for a moment’s applause. Anderson looked visibly emotional as the crowd chanted 'Geordie Maradona', and a No.8 shirt marked 'mum' with a wreath lay on the turf.

In his programme notes, head coach Vitor Pereira offered condolences to the Anderson family, saying they were in everyone’s thoughts and that family comes first. He added the club would give the midfielder full support.

During the win over Porto that sealed a Europa League semi-final place, Morgan Gibbs-White raised a shirt bearing Anderson’s name and a message of solidarity after scoring the only goal.

Anderson later posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling his mother the most special person he had met and praising her strength over the past year. He wrote that she remained his biggest motivation and that he would strive to make her proud.

Gibbs-White, close to tears on Thursday night, described it as a deeply emotional occasion and said the squad are with Anderson.

Forest head into today’s clash aiming to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions. They started the day two points above the bottom three after 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur drew with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Source: Nottingham Post