Tributes paid as tragic Ireland fan who drowned in Copenhagen ahead of UEFA Nations League match named as David Clerkin
The Ireland and Drogheda United superfan tragically passed away at the age of 30 after falling into Copenhagen Harbour on Sunday
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.
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.