IRISH football fans have paid tribute to a Northern Ireland fan who died by singing in his honour during Ireland's match against Sweden last night.
Darren Rodgers from Ballymena, Co Antrim, died after falling from a promenade onto a rocky beach in Nice in the early hours of Monday morning.
Mr Rodgers, who played for Braid United FC, had been in France to watch Northern Ireland's opening match against Poland on Sunday.
It is the first time Northern Ireland have taken part in a major football tournament for nearly 30 years.
At Monday's match at the Stade de France in Paris, Irish fans applauded and sang Stand up for the Ulstermen at the 24th minute, as Mr Rodgers was 24.
The Northern Ireland national team thanked the Irish supporters for their support on Twitter.
Thanks to the fans of @FAIreland who sang 'stand up for the Ulstermen' tonight in memory of Darren Rodgers #footballfamily
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) June 13, 2016
Scroll down to read the reaction from football fans...
After footage of the tribute was posted to Facebook, fans from all over the island of Ireland poured in to add their condolences.
One user said: "This gesture makes me very proud of my people north and south no matter their politics. Football is and always will be above it."
While another commented: "At the end of the day we are all just Irishman north and south, protestant and catholic etc etc. Massive condolences to Darren's family and friends. RIP."
One user added: "That's so classy well done guys and gals showing that the island of Ireland whether it be Northern Ireland or ROI we have the best sports fans on the earth."
This gesture makes me very proud of my people north and south no matter their politics. Football is and always will be above it."
Northern Ireland fans are also planning to honour Mr Rodgers when their team play Ukraine on Thursday.
Northern Ireland supporter’s page “our wee country” will hold a minute’s applause at the 24th minute of the game and have asked fans to spread the word ahead of the match.
