Liverpool supporters are planning a tribute for Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, during their match against Manchester United at Anfield following the death of his baby son.
Ronaldo and his partner announced in October that they were expecting twins.
But Ronaldo revealed on Monday that their baby son had died during childbirth, while their newborn daughter survived.
United have already confirmed that Ronaldo will play no part in their Premier League fixture on Tuesday evening.
But fans on a Liverpool supporters group on Facebook have called for those who are attending the match at Anfield to hold a minute’s applause for Ronaldo and his partner in the seventh minute of the game.
Part of the message on the group read: ‘Rivalries should be set aside in heartbreaking circumstances such as these. You’ll Never Walk Alone, CR7 Jr.’
In his statement announcing the news on Monday evening, Ronaldo wrote: ‘It is with our deepest sadness that we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
‘It is the greatest pain that any parents 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.’
In their own tribute to Ronaldo and his family which was released on Tuesday, United said: ‘Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time.
‘As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family’s request for privacy.
‘Cristiano, we are all thinking of you and sending strength to the family.’
Ronaldo has received several messages of support from his United teammates, as well as from clubs who he’s played both for and against.
In their reply to Ronaldo’s announcement, Liverpool wrote on Twitter: ‘All of us here at Liverpool FC send our deepest condolences to you, Georgina and the family.’