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Published 16:49 28 Jun 2016 BST
Updated 16:53 28 Jun 2016 BST
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While the Irish players, lost in their own thoughts, left Long to himself, Schneiderlin was the man that rose him to his feet. Irish fans dispersed in with the French supporters noted how Schneiderlin pulled himself away from celebrating with Olivier Giroud and Adil Rami to seek Long out.
The pair had spent the 2014/15 season together at Southampton and are on good terms. They exchanged pleasantries before the match but once the game was over, the battle done, Schneiderlin did not forget.
There was a smattering of applause as Long, now on his feet, embraced the Manchester United midfielder. They spoke for a moment, Schneiderlin patted Long on the chest and they parted ways. A little gesture that meant a lot.
By the time Long joined his teammates, as they made their way over the the corner of Stade Olympique Lyonnais, he had turned his attention to consoling Darren Randolph, who had taken Ireland's exit particularly hard.
Then he retook a seat on the pitch, waved at the fans and soaked up their applause and appreciation.

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