Nottingham Forest tribute to teammate during Europa League clash
Nottingham Forest celebrated an emotional moment during their Europa League quarter-final against Porto as midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White scored to give the hosts an early lead at the City Ground, reports BritPanorama.
Gibbs-White held up a shirt bearing the name and number of teammate Elliot Anderson, along with a heartfelt message for their absent colleague. Anderson was withdrawn from the matchday squad shortly before kick-off following the tragic news of his mother Helen’s passing earlier in the week.
The gesture served as a poignant reminder of the bonds within the squad, with the shirt featuring the message “Family first, we are all with you” — a simple yet powerful sign of solidarity from the team. Forest supporters also voiced their support, chanting “Geordie Maradona” in the opening minutes, a nod to Anderson’s Newcastle roots and skill on the ball.
Gibbs-White’s 12th-minute strike put Forest 2-1 ahead on aggregate, building on a previous 1-1 draw in Portugal. Head coach Vitor Pereira had expressed uncertainty regarding Anderson’s availability after the midfielder missed training due to the family emergency.
The support for Anderson extended beyond the City Ground; Newcastle United, where he came through the academy before joining Forest, offered condolences through social media, expressing their solidarity with the family. “We’re so sorry to hear this incredibly sad news. Sending all of our love and support to Elliot and his family at such a difficult time,” they wrote.
The England national team also extended their sympathies, wishing him and his family well during this challenging period. Porto joined in expressing their condolences, with the Portuguese club stating that their thoughts were with Anderson and his family. Nottingham Forest confirmed Anderson’s absence due to the death of his mother and extended deepest sympathies to the family.
In moments like this, the true spirit of football emerges, revealing how compassion can overshadow the intensity of competition. The camaraderie displayed highlights the essence of sport — a reminder that, ultimately, humanity prevails over the game.
