The soccer world has been left in a state of shock after 81 people were killed in a plane crash that included the majority of the Brazilian soccer team, Chapecoense, after their aircraft came down in the mountainous region near Medellin, Colombia.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation but many believe that it was due to mechanical issues during the flight.
6 of the 81 aboard the flight survived the crash and have been taken to hospital with injuries.
The team was flying to what was billed as the biggest match in their history–the final of the Copa Sudamericana. Their opponents, Colombian team Atletico Nacional, have offered to concede the game to ensure Chapecoense are declared the champions.
In a tweet, the club also asked that fans turn up to their stadium at the time which the game was scheduled, dressed in white.
UPDATE: Copa Sudamericana final opponent asks that cup title be awarded to Chapecoense following tragic plane crash https://t.co/sOhdhV5QxU pic.twitter.com/fFN1VlXinZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2016
Many soccer legends, ranging from Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar to Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney have offered their condolences to the team and the families of those who died.
In a joint statement, Brazilian first division soccer teams have offered to lend players to Chapecoense free of charge, and asked the league to protect the club from relegation for the next three years.
