England international in tears as club pays moving tribute to player's late mum ahead of key fixture

England international Elliot Anderson has been left in tears before Nottingham Forest kicked off against Burnley, as the club paid a moving tribute to his late mum.

Before the match, Anderson carried a bouquet of flowers while walking alongside teammate Neco Williams.

The midfielder laid the flowers down on the centre circle as Williams put down a shirt with Anderson's number and "Mum" above.

As the players gathered around, a minute's applause unfolded for the footballer's mother, Helen Louise Anderson, who passed away on Thursday.

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As the applause unfolded, the Forest midfielder could not hold back his tears in the moving tribute recognised by both sets of supporters and players.

Anderson wiped away his tears before getting into the huddle ahead kick-off for a huge fixture in the home side's bid to avoid relegation.

Victory today will take Forest six points clear of the relegation zone with just five games to go.

Burnley stand in their way, who have had a campaign to forget as their relegation back to the Championship is all but confirmed.

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Anderson was not available for Forest's mid-week clash in the Europa League against FC Porto, where Morgan Gibbs-White found the net and paid a moving tribute to the midfielder's mother.

Gibbs-White held up a shirt bearing Anderson's name and number eight, complete with a heartfelt message for their absent teammate.

The England international was withdrawn from the matchday squad just before kick-off following his mother's death.

It was a beautiful reminder that some things really do matter more than football, with Forest's players rallying around their grieving teammate in the most poignant way possible.

The message on the shirt read: "Family first, we are all with you" - a simple but powerful show of solidarity from the squad.

Forest supporters also played their part in backing the 23-year-old midfielder, with chants of "Geordie Maradona" ringing around the City Ground in the opening minutes of the match.

It was a lovely nod to Anderson's Newcastle roots and his silky skills on the ball.

Head coach Vitor Pereira had been uncertain whether Anderson would be available after the midfielder missed training on Wednesday.

The support for the midfielder extended well beyond the City Ground this evening.

Newcastle United, where Anderson came through the academy before joining Forest nearly two years ago, posted a touching response on social media.

"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," the Magpies wrote.

The England national team also reached out, saying: "Sending love and support to Elliot and his family during this incredibly difficult time."

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