Liverpool fans applaud during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester
United
Chants of “Viva Ronaldo” were heard from the away end at Anfield before the home
fans broke out with a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” after seven minutes - a
nod to Ronaldo's shirt number at United.
“A massive touch of class that, and I’m sure
if Ronaldo would have watched that he’d have welcomed it,” Gary Neville said on Sky
Sports’ commentary.
Ronaldo missed the match to be with his family, having announced on
Monday that they had lost their son, with partner Georgina Rodriguez also giving birth
to a baby girl.
Messages of support flooded in for Ronaldo, while Liverpool and United
agreed to wear black armbands for the match.
It was also announced in the hours before
kick-off that the applause would take place after seven minutes.
A United statement
said: “While United and Liverpool share English football's greatest rivalry, there is a
deep-rooted respect held between the two clubs and that will be highlighted by the
minute’s applause, which was initially suggested by fans of the Merseyside
team.”
Ronaldo posted the following on Monday evening: “It is with our deepest sadness
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.”
United’s own statement in response said: "Your pain is our pain,
Cristiano. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time."