IFA thank Irish fans for classy gesture in honour of fan who sadly passed away

The Republic of Ireland fans paid their respect to Darren Rodgers, the Northern Ireland fan who died in Nice.

The 24-year-old from Ballymena tragically passed away after falling eight metres from a barrier along the seafront in Nice. He had been one of the thousands of Northern Ireland fans in the city to cheer on Michael O'Neill's side in their Group C opening game against Poland. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742269733832163328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw During the Republic of Ireland's game against Sweden on Monday, a group of fans were heard chanting "stand up for the Ulstermen". Both the Irish Football Association, and fans of Northern Ireland, were grateful to the support from the Irish fans in attendance at the Stade de France in Paris. Proof that the power of football extends beyond borders, and a great sign of solidarity in a difficult time for everyone associated with Northern Ireland and Darren's family. https://twitter.com/NorthernIreland/status/742451124704272384 https://twitter.com/11gawa/status/742457632875679744

How special is this in Nice tonight. What a wonderfully weird wee island we live on. #together #GAWA #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/mT2YjXOoKL

— Stephen Blevins (@stephenblevins9) June 13, 2016

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