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Heartwrenching

Colombia plane crash: Grieving Chapecoense fans gather outside the club’s stadium to mourn the loss of 71 people including players, coaches, journalists and crew members

Fans laid down flowers and recite the Lord's Prayer as they try to come to terms with the worst plane disaster this year

GRIEVING fans have taken to the streets to mourn the Colombia air disaster that has tragically killed 75 people.

The football world has been rocked with the news that a plane carrying 77 passengers and nine crew crashed into the Colombian mountains as Brazilian football team Chapecoense travelled to face Atletico Nacional in the final of the Copa Sudamerica.

Fans were inconsolable as they were made aware of the news
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Fans were inconsolable as they were made aware of the newsCredit: Getty Images
75 people died in the tragic crash carrying players, coaches, crew members and journalists
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75 people died in the tragic crash carrying players, coaches, crew members and journalistsCredit: EPA

Only six are thought to have survived the crash including three footballers, a journalist and two crew members.

Tributes from around the world have poured in as they mourn the worst plane disaster to have happened this year.

Heartbroken supporters gathered outside the club's Arena Conda Stadium as they try to come to terms with the shocking news.

Locked in embraces, fans draped in the club's green colours wept as they tried to console one another.

Members of the crowd brought flags and laid down flowers as they awaited further news. Supporters even started reciting the Lord's Prayer together as Brazil's president Michel Tamer declared three days of national mourning.

A boy sits alone to reflect on the tragic events
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A boy sits alone to reflect on the tragic eventsCredit: Getty Images
Supporters laid down flowers and notes to remember those that had died
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Supporters laid down flowers and notes to remember those that had diedCredit: EPA

Chapecoense, founded in 1973, were preparing for its biggest match in their short history having defied the odds to reach the final.

Given the size of the club, coach Caio Junior compared their story to that of Leicester's 2015-16 Premier League success.

Atletico Nacional have requested that the title is handed to Chapecoense as a matter of respect to the Brazilian side.

Gilberto Garcia, Atletico Nacional's right back said: "We want Chapecoense to be declared Champion and we are waiting for CONMEBOL's decision."

Three members of the Brazilian side were not on the plane because they were due to miss the clash through either injury or suspension.

Supporters draped in the team's green colours embrace outside the ground
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Supporters draped in the team's green colours embrace outside the groundCredit: Reuters
The team were set for the biggest match in their history
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The team were set for the biggest match in their historyCredit: Reuters

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Two supporters cry during a tribute to their team
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Two supporters cry during a tribute to their teamCredit: Getty Images
Harrowing images emerge of emergency workers searching for surviviors
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Harrowing images emerge of emergency workers searching for surviviorsCredit: AP

And heart-wrenching images have emerged of the players learning of the disaster as they sit in the locker room.

Football legends have also paid their respects by taking to Twitter including Brazil hero Pele.

He said: "Brazilian football is in mourning. It is such a tragic loss. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. Rest in peace."

Three Chapecoense players who did not travel with the squad on the ill-fated flight sit in shock in the club’s dressing room
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Three Chapecoense players who did not travel with the squad on the ill-fated flight sit in shock in the club’s dressing roomCredit: Twitter

Real Madrid and Barcelona also held a minutes silence at their training ground to remember the 75 that lost their lives.

Teams in Brazil have also declared they will unite to send players to Chapecoense on loan for the season without charge and ask that the club be exempt from relegation for three years.

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