Fernando Ricksen's first club Fortuna Sittard bid an emotional farewell to the Dutchman with a poignant applause in the second minute of their clash with Vitesse Arnhem.
The Dutch outfit and their fans said goodbye to Ricksen after he passed away on Wednesday morning.
Rangers icon Ricksen started his career with Fortuna before eventually moving on but he remains a huge part of their history as their tribute will attest.
🙏 | Dit eerbetoon van @MijnVitesse en @FortunaSittard hakt erin bij Kevin Hofland.@MijnVitesse @FortunaSittard #vitforhttps://t.co/UTpVcAEotb pic.twitter.com/8ssFUhMXp7
— FOX Sports (@FOXSportsnl) September 21, 2019
Thousands of supporters housed in the away section of the Gelredome took to their feet to hail the former defender and lavish him with love and praise.
A banner with the player's face was unfurled with the messages "Rest in Peace FR 2" and "Lest We Forget" draped across the stands.
The match was even halted in the midst of the applause, with players and fans from both sides as well as officials joining in the tribute.
Ricksen finally lost his brave battle with motor neurone disease last week and plenty of his former teammates and rivals were quick to share messages of condolence.
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