The Ireland and Drogheda United superfan tragically passed away at the age of 30 after falling into Copenhagen Harbour on Sunday
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TRIBUTES have been paid to the "passionate" Ireland season-ticket holder who tragically drowned in Copenhagen.
David Clerkin, 30, died after he in the Havnegade area of the city yesterday morning.
The Louth man was one of hundreds of Irish fans who had travelled to the Danish capital for Ireland's UEFA Nations League match against Denmark in Aarhus this evening.
Local police received reports of a "lifeless man in the water" at around 10.30am.
Divers from the Copenhagen Fire Department rushed to the scene and retrieved him from the water.
He was brought to a nearby hospital but was tragically pronounced dead.
A fellow Ireland supporter and one of his close friends tonight paid tribute to David saying he had a "heart of gold."
He told the Irish Sun: "He was the most genuine person you could ever meet.
"He had a heart of gold and would do anything for a friend of whom he had many.
"He was a passionate Drogheda United and Ireland fan.
"He was an Irish season-ticket holder who went to many of the away games too.
"He also went to Euro 2016 and travelled in a camper van following the team around France with all of his friends."
David was also a big Drogheda United fan and the club’s chairman Fiachra Kierans said the club are heartbroken for his family and friends.
He told the Irish Sun: “I understand he was over there with a group of Drogheda fans that were over for the match and then there was this tragic accident.
“It is always a tragedy when someone that young passes away. It’s terrible. On behalf of the club I’d certainly like to express our condolences to his family and friends at this time.”
The FAI confirmed they would and players would sport black armbands as a tribute.
A spokesperson said: "The Football Association of Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Republic of Ireland supporter in Denmark.
“The FAI has expressed its condolences to the family of the supporter, who passed away in Copenhagen, ahead of the UEFA Nations League game between Denmark and Ireland.
“An official request has been submitted to UEFA, by the FAI, to hold a minute’s silence before kick-off in tonight’s game in Aarhus.
“The Ireland players will wear black armbands in respect of the supporter.
"The FAI continues to work with An Garda Siochana and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the matter."
Sports Minister Shane Ross said David's death "puts sport into perspective."
Paying tribute, Minister Ross said: “It is terribly sad news to hear of the tragic death of an Irish football supporter in Copenhagen this weekend.
"My thoughts are with the man’s family at this dreadful time. Ireland’s football fans have always represented the country so well on their travels and the last thing anyone ever wants to receive is terrible news of something awful like this.
"It puts sport into perspective.”
The Irish football family has been left torn by the young man's death with many posting tributes on social media.
One man said: "Sad news coming from Copenhagen may he rest in peace thought and prayers are with the family, our family of Irish football fans #COYBIG heartbreaking."
Another said: "Terrible news puts it all in to perspective what happens on the pitch means f**k in the grand scheme of things, poor fella and his family."
And another added: "Terrible news. A family's nightmare. Rip."
Danish police say they are working to “determine the course of events” but there is no suspicion of foul play.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it cannot comment on the details of individuals cases, however, confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family of an individual in Copenhagen.
