Soon after news broke that a plane carrying Brazilian football club Chapecoense had crashed in Colombia, the football world took to social media to express its grief and solidarity.
A first division football club in Brazil, the Chapecoense team was travelling to Colombia to take on Atletico Nacional in a two-legged regional final.
English Premier League leaders Chelsea wrote: “Our thoughts are with everyone at @ChapecoenseReal, their families and all those affected by the tragedy in Colombia.”
Arsenal , another world-famous Premier League club, said simply: “Thinking of you, @ChapecoenseReal”.
Top German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen tweeted in Portuguese: “In football there are no borders. We are with you @ChapecoenseReal”.
Spain’s Sevilla said: “The #SevillaFC shows its condolences for the plane crash in which traveled the @ChapecoenseReal. Hard times for football.”
Turkey’s huge Galatasaray club wrote: “Our prayers are with you.. #prayforchapecoense @ChapecoenseReal”.
Portuguese giants Benfica tweeted: “Benfica is with everyone involved in the crash @ChapecoenseReal, families and supporters. #ForçaChape!”
Top Brazilian team Corinthians said of their countrymen: “All clubs unite and pray for the people’s lives. It all works out! Strength, @ChapecoenseReal #ForçaChape
Colombia’s Millonarios expressed solidarity and prayers: “Our prayers are with all the passengers and crew. Much strength and solidarity at this difficult time. @ChapecoenseReal”
As did Mexico’s Seleccion Nacional : “O ur prayers are with you, @ChapecoenseReal… Much strength! #Chapecoense”
Spain’s Barcelona : “All our support and solidarity with the victims and the families affected by the tragedy of the @ChapecoenseReal in Colombia”
Invidividual football stars also reached out.
Brazil’s Alexandre Pato said: “God please help the people who were on that flight! Too hard!”
Spain’s Iker Casillas : “My condolences for the plane crash in which traveled the @ChapecoenseReal. Now hard for the soccer! Lots of encouragement and strength!”
Lucas Silva , of Real Madrid: “Very sad news of the accident with the @ChapecoenseReal team. My prayers and positive thoughts with the passengers and their families.”
Michy Batshuayi , a Belgian footballer with Chelsea: “Wow… Prayer for @ChapecoenseReal… God bless you all”
Wayne Rooney , Manchester United captain and all-time leading goalscorer for England: “Sad news to wake up to today. Thoughts are with @ChapecoenseReal and their family and friends.”