Players and fans at the Stadium of Light paid tribute last night to a life-long SAFC fan who passed away after collapsing at the ground late last month.
Michael Waggott took ill inside the Stadium during SAFC's home fixture against Burton Albion on Tuesday, February 22, and was rushed to hospital following a medical emergency - in which play paused for 52-minutes.
And it was later announced by the club that Michael had passed away at Sunderland Royal Hospital two days later.
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A statement announcing Michael's death was released on SAFC's official website March 1.
It read: "All at Sunderland AFC are incredibly saddened by the passing of lifelong supporter Michael Waggott.
"After receiving treatment from the emergency services during the first half of SAFC’s home fixture against Burton Albion, Michael was transferred to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he sadly passed away on Thursday 24 February.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time, and we will continue to offer them our full support throughout the next days and weeks.
"On behalf of Michael’s family, we commend the emergency services and our club staff and supporters for their response to the incident.
"Rest in peace, Michael. You will forever be red and white. You will be remembered, always."
At last night's home fixture against Fleetwood Town the club, players and fans all came together to remember the life of the long-standing SAFC fan in a ceremony of memorial.
A minute's applause was held as kick-off approached, with players from both sides surrounding the centre circle of the pitch to pay their respects.
Images of Michael provided by family and friends were also were shown on the scoreboards during the minute's applause, with SAFC players wearing black armbands as a sign of remembrance.
A Sunderland shirt with Waggott's name was also hung in the tunnel and player's dressing room before the proceedings began - later carried onto the pitch by captain, Corry Evans.
The shirt was also signed by players before being gifted to Michael's family once the game had played out.
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