Liverpool supporters are planning to hold a minute's applause for Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United superstar and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, tragically lost their newborn son.
The couple announced on Monday that their baby boy had passed away soon after Rodriguez gave birth to twins, as their daughter thankfully survived.
Messages of support and condolence have flooded social media since the sad news broke, and now Liverpool fans have decided to offer their own gesture.
Ronaldo's team travel to Merseyside on Tuesday evening and while the 37-year-old is will not feature due to the tragic circumstances, those inside Anfield are set to mark the seventh minute - corresponding with his shirt number - by applauding.
A post from a Liverpool fan Facebook page read: "If you are lucky enough to be attending the game tomorrow evening, then please show a mark of respect to Cristiano Ronaldo and his family by taking part in the round of applause which will be held on the seventh minute.
"Rivalries should be set aside in heartbreaking circumstances such as these. You'll Never Walk Alone, CR7 Jr." The idea was met with a warm reception from Reds supporters, with one adding, via Twitter : "If you are attending like myself, please applaud on the seventh minute to show respect to Cristiano Ronaldo and his family through this heartbreaking time."
Ronaldo and Rodriguez made the announcement through their social media channels on Monday evening, writing in a heartbreaking post: "It is with our deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our baby boy. It's the greatest pain any parent can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
"We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez."
As well as receiving over 11 million likes, the football world came together to send well wishes to both the United superstar and his partner. Teammate Marcus Rashford wrote: "Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I'm so sorry." Fellow Old Trafford aces Diogo Dalot, Alex Telles and Donny van de Beek all replied to the post with love hearts to send their support.
Goalkeeper David de Gea also quote-tweeted Ronaldo's statement with a simple heart emoji, while a message on Liverpool's official Twitter account read: "All of us here at Liverpool FC send our deepest condolences to you, Georgina and the family." United themselves added: "Your pain is our pain, Cristiano. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time."
Ex- England striker Gary Lineker sent his condolences by writing on Twitter: "Terribly sad news. Sincere condolences to you and your family." Television personality Piers Morgan also wrote on Instagram : "Heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to you and all your family."
