Before the national anthem played during Wednesday night's Eastern Conference Championship Leg Two match in Toronto, those assembled at BMO Field marked a somber occasion. Broadcasters, both teams, fans -- everyone in attendance -- observed a moment of silence in honor of those killed in the tragic Chapecoense air crash in Colombia.
The crash, which occurred late Monday night, claimed 77 lives, with only six on board surviving. Most of the victims comprised the Brazilian club team Chapecoense, en route to the Copa Sudamericana final. The team lost 19 players in the crash, with three surviving in critical condition; 20 journalists were among the others also killed. Six of the latter were staffers for Fox Sports Brazil.
Meanwhile, the international soccer community has united to support the team and its fans, with numerous public tributes ongoing. Colombian club Atletico Nacional, set to play Chapecoense in the cup final, have also asked CONMEBOL to declare the Brazilian team the winners.
Back at BMO, fans from both sides also showed their support from the stands.
