Wales World Cup qualifier STOPPED after 59 minutes in emotional tribute to North Macedonia nightclub fire victims
THE World Cup qualifier between North Macedonia and Wales was briefly paused in the 59th minute while both teams and fans paid tribute to the victims of a nightclub fire.
Earlier this month, 59 people were killed in a blaze that ripped through Club Pulse in Kocani.
The fire, sparked by on-stage pyrotechnics, also injured 155 others.
Citizens of North Macedonia were deeply affected by the tragedy so a tribute was prepared for the nation’s first home match of the year.
During the World Cup qualifier against Wales, referee Jerome Brisard temporarily stopped play on the 59-minute mark in honour of the 59 victims of the nightclub disaster.
Players joined fans at the Tose Proeski Arena in stopping for a minute of applause.
Some fans also turned their phone lights onto illuminate the stands.
The match continued with a drop-ball for Wales after the tribute.
Discussing the impact of the tragedy before the match, Wales head coach Craig Bellamy said: “We haven’t spoke about it but the players are aware of it.
“I’d like to send my condolences to the families and also the people of North Macedonia.
“It’s difficult to talk about football when moments like this happens, but we’re here for it and I completely respect the situation.
“We’ve had our own tragedies and we know as a country what they’re going through. I’d like them to know that everyone in Wales is fully behind them.
“I hope for just 90 minutes that we and North Macedonia are able, maybe just a tiny bit, to take one or two minds off what’s happened.
“Only for a tiny bit. I want that because life is the most important. We just get to play football.”