Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson's mother, Helen, has died. The club confirmed Anderson would not play before kick-off, and the match was an emotionally charged evening at the City Ground, with Nottingham Forest dedicating their victory to Elliot Anderson. Nottingham Forest won the match against Porto 1-0, with Morgan Gibbs-White scoring the only goal of the match.
After scoring, Gibbs-White held up a shirt with Anderson's name and number and the message 'Family first. We are all with you'. The club and opponent offered support, with Porto sending a message of support to Elliot Anderson and his family.
Mum, You are the most special person I could have 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. 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.
The context of the match included tournament implications, with the aggregate score after the first leg being 1-1, but unknowns remain, such as the cause of Helen Anderson's death, how long she had been ill, and when exactly she died. It is also unclear what specific support the club is providing to Elliot Anderson and his family, and whether he will play in the next match.
Really emotional night. It's a big shame. He's an incredible kid and no one deserves this, but we're all with him.
Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the Anderson family in this difficult time.
Elliot Anderson is not available for tonight's match after the passing of his beloved mother, Helen.
Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club expresses their deepest condolences to Elliot and his family after this very sad news.
Our thoughts are with Elliot Anderson and his family tonight.