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Borussia Dortmund pay tribute to fan who died inside stadium

Dormund's players line up to show their respects after the death of a fan
Image: Borussia Dortmund's players paid tribute after learning of the fan's death

Borussia Dortmund fans held a moving tribute to a supporter who died during their home win over Mainz on Sunday.

An 80-year-old fan collapsed with a suspected heart attack in the south-west stand of Borussia's 81,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park as the match was in progress.

Dortmund's famous atmosphere began to subdue as news filtered around the ground and the second half was played in near-total silence, including when Shinji Kagawa netted Dortmund's second goal in a 2-0 win on 73 minutes.

Marco Reus, who scored a first-half opener, said: "On the pitch, we had no idea what was going on and were initially irritated by the silence.

Fans show their scarves as a sign of respect following the death of a fan
Image: Dortmund fans show their scarves as a sign of respect

"But, straight after the game, our coach Thomas Tuchel came to us and explained what had happened. It obviously put a shadow over the game and compliment to the fans for the way they behaved."

Reinhard Rauball, the German FA's interim president told Sky in Germany: "I have never experienced something like that, where the supporters were united in expressing their grief and respect.

"I also take my hat off to Mainz for the way they gave their support."

A sign informs of the death of a fan
Image: A sign at the stadium informs spectators of the death of a fan

At the final whistle, the Dortmund team gathered as the home fans sang an emotional rendition of the club's anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

A second fan was understood to have collapsed during the game but was revived on his way to hospital.

Dortmund's win keeps them second in the Bundesliga, five points behind Bayern Munich, who beat Werder Bremen on Saturday.

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