We all know that football is a competitive sport, but every once in a while, the esence of the game emerges after a tragedy hits out.
Following the plane crash that cost the lives of almost all of Atlético Chapecoense's players, several clubs around the world have stepped up and offered their support to the Brazilian side.
Colombian side Atlético Nacional had one of the kindest gestures, as they requested CONMEBOL to grant the Brazilians the 2016 Copa Sudamericana title. Atlético was supposed to host Chapecoense on Wednesday before tragedy struck.
"Atlético Nacional urges CONMEBOL to hand the Copa Sudamericana title to Chapecoense"
Atlético Nacional solicita a Conmebol que el título de la Sudamericana sea entregado a Chapecoense. https://t.co/VuDoExk0JX pic.twitter.com/HAY8yT1tEt
— Atlético Nacional (@nacionaloficial) November 29, 2016
Meanwhile, Brazilian club Palmeiras, the last club that played against Chapecoense before the incident, has requested to play their upcoming match wearing their colleagues' kits. Apparently, the Brazilian Football Confederations will grant their request. The green and white side posted a video on their Twitter feed including footage from Saturday's game, which they won 1-0.
#ForçaChape pic.twitter.com/4xuXs8UVKR
— SE Palmeiras (@SEPalmeiras) November 29, 2016
Argentinean club Racing issued a statement via their president Victor Blanco. "The Academy's" president revealed they would be glad to support Chapecoense by loaning some players if they need them.
"We're deeply saddened by the Chapecoense's accident. Racing Club would like to extend its condolences to all the families and collaborate with some players".
Lamentamos terrible accidente a @ChapecoenseReal. Racing Club se solidariza con las familias de las victimas y a colaborar con algún jugador
— Victor Blanco (@Vbrvictor) November 29, 2016
Portuguese club Benfica also issued a statement earlier today, hinting that the Eagles would be willing to support the Brazilian side to "overcome the sporting loss."
"Our players' tribute to Chapecoense"
A homenagem dos nossos jogadores ao @ChapecoenseReal. #ForçaChape pic.twitter.com/Obv0RmOGQm
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) November 29, 2016
The Football Association also sent its condolences to the Brazilian club via a photo post on Twitter.
The thoughts of everyone at The @FA are with @ChapecoenseReal and all the victims of the tragic air accident in Colombia. pic.twitter.com/VJUSD7Dewh
— The FA (@FA) November 29, 2016
In light of the tragedy, Brazilian clubs have signed a request to help Chapecoense avoid relegation for the next three years. The CBF hasn't ruled on that request. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that Paris Saint Germain wanted to help out by donating 40 million euros to the team, but there's no official statement by the team at this moment.
The thoughts of PSG are with Chapecoense and all the victims of last night's terrible tragedy #ForçaChape https://t.co/QZ8IpqurHD pic.twitter.com/nos82YphOR
— PSG English (@PSG_English) November 29, 2016
Here are other reactions from the world of football.
Football is not just a game but it also told us about life and respect ~ #forcachape #chpe #Chapecoense pic.twitter.com/HhCIPDFtTI
— Lio (@iRashidFCB) November 29, 2016
Tragic photo of a young Chapacoense fan sat in the home of his club, on the day most of his heroes died...#ForçaChape pic.twitter.com/cUmrRN80vy
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) November 29, 2016
Pray for them #forçachape pic.twitter.com/r76dTyqvsl
— Alessandro Nesta (@Nesta) November 29, 2016
2009: Serie D
— Warriors of Uruguay (@UruguayanHeroes) November 29, 2016
2012: Serie C
2013: Serie B
2014: Serie A
2016: Copa Sudamericana finalist
A fairytale that ended in heaven... #Chapecoense pic.twitter.com/0PcnNTnHp6
Today is really difficult to think about "our" game and be happy. A prayer for those that followed their dream. #Chapecoense #ForçaChape
— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) November 29, 2016
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