The tragic events in Christchurch on Friday rocked New Zealand, and the football community on both sides of the Tasman Sea responded with a united voice.
Supporters at all Hyundai A-League games observed an impeccable minute’s silence before kick-off over the weekend, and there were a host of other tributes to the victims of the attacks at two mosques in the city.
READ: Phoenix help raise funds for Christchurch victims
Kosta’s classy tribute
A proud Kiwi with almost a half-century of caps for the All Whites, Kosta Barbarouses was clearly deeply affected by the terrorist attacks in his homeland.
In a display of solidarity with Muslims everywhere, the Melbourne Victory forward’s first goal against Brisbane Roar was accompanied by a powerful celebration.
Barbarouses performed a traditional Islamic prayer stance after finding the net, in a moment that perfectly encapsulated the determination of New Zealanders to pull together in the wake of the attacks.
.@kskgroup2017's pass, @KostaBarb7's finish and classy celebration ? #MVFC #OurVictory pic.twitter.com/PFznxQkD5d
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 16, 2019
Bravo @KostaBarb7 ???
— tarek elrich®™ (@elrich11) March 16, 2019
Barbarouses ? “Pretty devastated to be honest. A pretty emotional day. It doesn’t mean much to them (his goal celebration) but it’s something.”#MVCvBRI #ALeague
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) March 16, 2019
Krishna shows solidarity in emotional win
Wellington Phoenix’s Roy Krishna had plenty to celebrate as he scored his 15th goal of the season in his side’s 3-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
The awful events of Friday firmly put the game into perspective, though, and the match at Westpac Stadium was preceded by a solemn silence as those gathered in Wellington paid their respects.
Like Barbarouses, the Fijian striker dropped to his knees in a touching tribute to the victims and their families.
A difficult time to play the sport we love as our people mourned. So with a heavy heart we played for you.
Football is popular sport in our migrant communities & a sport that brings every1 together. We will go through this together beause we are one &will build a stronger us! pic.twitter.com/NGaXMgSBda— Roy Krishna ???? (@RoyKrishna21) March 17, 2019
"We will go through this together because we are one & will build a stronger us!"@RoyKrishna21 with a special tribute after scoring on Sunday ?? #TogetherWeStand #WELvWSW #ALeague pic.twitter.com/lGQ2QlQUlH
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) March 18, 2019
Rudan delivers heartfelt message
Despite another comfortable win for his ‘Nix side, football was the last thing on Mark Rudan’s mind in the aftermath.
As reported on www.a-league.com.au, Rudan was open about the effect of the attacks on himself and the club as a whole.
“I’m not going to talk really much about the game,” Rudan said. “Because I thought it was the second most important thing. The most important thing is what happened a couple of days ago.
“It’s shaken everybody up at the club. It’s shaken up me and my players.
“It’s not what this country’s about. It’s a great country this place. It’s opened its arms to so many different people, races and religions.
“It’s just sad. This country doesn’t deserve it.”
The Nix are supporting two worthy causes, one for victims and one for the family of New Zealand futsal player Atta Elayyan who tragically died in the attacks.
You are still able to donate to this worthy cause online on the Give A Little page here.
A Give A Little page for Atta Elayyan’s family is here.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6015035532001
Together as one
They may be foes on the pitch but Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers players showed a moment of solidarity, forming a huddle during the minutes silence at Westpac Stadium.
An emotional tribute ahead of #WELvWSW.#TogetherWeStand
? @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/yKT5gHxquN
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) March 17, 2019
Hard not to shed a tear watching @WgtnPhoenixFC and @wswanderersfc come together to honour the victims of the Christchurch massacre. Well done to all involved. #WeStandTogether
— Murray Shaw (@MurrayShaw1) March 17, 2019
Stars show their support
The football family around the world were quick to offer their support, too.
When will the hate end? Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in NZ! ??
— Sam Kerr (@samkerr1) March 15, 2019
Dreadful news coming out of New Zealand this morning. My condolences go out to the families of those innocent victims who lost their lives in this act of pure evil.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) March 15, 2019
Terribles noticias llegan de Nueva Zelanda. Mis pensamientos están con las victimas y sus familiares//Devastating news from New Zealand. My thoughts are with the victims and their families #Christchurch ??
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 15, 2019
All my thoughts and prayers goes to the victims and their families for this terrible attack in #NewZealand ??
— Moussa Sissoko (@MoussaSissoko) March 15, 2019
I can't believe the tragic events which happened in NZ today. I offer my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. https://t.co/DYGX2Ssl5t @ABC
— KeisukeHonda(本田圭佑) (@kskgroup2017) March 15, 2019
???? ❤️❤️ https://t.co/XDn1tyvdfN
— Archie Thompson (@10Archie) March 17, 2019
A great example of the unifying power of sport. No sport more powerful, and none that traverses the globe quite like football. #Christchurch ? https://t.co/4N0JBP3E75
— Bruce Djite (@BDjite) March 17, 2019
TEAM OF THE WEEK | ? Our #Nix maestro, Mandi, made it into the @ALeague Team of the Week after his world-class free kick against @wswanderersfc
The Spanish midfielder then followed #Nix @RoyKrishna21 in paying his respects to the victims in Christchurch#TogetherWeStand pic.twitter.com/ihG5EE3Xpi
— Wellington Phoenix (@WgtnPhoenixFC) March 17, 2019
Everyone’s thoughts at Manchester United are with those who have been affected by today’s attacks in New Zealand.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 15, 2019
The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with those affected by the attacks in New Zealand.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 15, 2019
Days like today put football in perspective. Our thoughts go out to everyone in Christchurch and New Zealand at this time. #TogetherWeStand https://t.co/vaBMWy4bwH
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) March 15, 2019
We will hold a minute's silence before #MVCvBRI tonight for those who lost their lives in Christchurch. Our sincerest condolences go out to those affected by this tragic event #TogetherWeStand #MVFC pic.twitter.com/0yJcxFrQhx
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 16, 2019
A minute’s silence will be held before #MVCvBRI tonight at Marvel Stadium.
BRFC extends its deepest condolences to those affected by yesterday’s tragic events in Christchurch.#TogetherWeStand #RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/tlmZVWaGgX
— Brisbane Roar (@brisbaneroar) March 16, 2019