Gab's grief

Colombia plane crash: Arsenal’s Gabriel breaks down in tears on the pitch as he remembers countrymen who died in Chapecoense air disaster

Toby Gannon

Published: 9:10, 1 Dec 2016

Gabriel colombia plane crash

ARSENAL defender Gabriel broke down in tears as he mourned his countrymen who tragically died in the Chapecoense air disaster.

A minute silence was held before last night's EFL Cup quarter-final clashes in remembrance of the 71 who perished - including all but three from the Brazilian club's members on board - on Tuesday's doomed flight LMI2933.

Gabriel breaks down in tears as he shows his support for Chapecoense victims — Gabriel breaks down in tears as he shows his support for Chapecoense victimsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Samba star Gabriel, 26, who lined up for the Gunners against Southampton, could not hold back the tears as almost 60,000 people paid their respects.

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The teary-eyed centre-back held up a supportive banner with striker Lucas Perez which read: "#ForcaChape."

Both sets of players also wore black armbands while the Chapecoense team badge was shown on the big screen at the Emirates.

The teary-eyed Brazilian held a supportive banner alongside Spanish team-mate Lucas Perez — The teary-eyed Brazilian held a supportive banner alongside Spanish team-mate Lucas PerezCredit: Reuters

Nearly 60,000 people in the Emirates paid their respects during the minute silence before kick off — Nearly 60,000 people in the Emirates paid their respects during the minute silence before kick offCredit: Getty Images

The Chapecoense air disaster saw 71 people tragically lose their lives — The Chapecoense air disaster saw 71 people tragically lose their livesCredit: Getty Images

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Manchester United and West Ham players also paid their respects at Old Trafford, with the words "United with Chapecoense" being displayed on the scoreboard. They also wore black armbands for the occasion.

Real Madrid's stars paid tribute in their Copa del Rey clash against Cultural Leonesa by wearing t-shirts over their kits before kick off which read "We Are All Chapecoense".

Real Madrid players wear t-shirts remembering those who tragically died in the plane crash — Real Madrid players wear t-shirts remembering those who tragically died in the plane crashCredit: Getty Images

PSG striker Edinson Cavani was booked for taking his shirt off to reveal this supportive message — PSG striker Edinson Cavani was booked for taking his shirt off to reveal this supportive messageCredit: Reuters

Paris Saint-Germain's game against Angers was also full of supportive signs and posters.

Striker Edinson Cavani celebrated his goal by revealing a t-shirt with the Brazilian club's badge on it.

But the Uruguayan was shockingly BOOKED for doing so.

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