NI team to wear black armbands for fan who died at match

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has offered his condolences to the family of Belfast man Robert Rainey, who died at Thursday night's Euro 2016 game against Ukraine.

Mr Rainey, who was known as Archie, suffered a suspected heart attack and collapsed among fans in the Olympique Lyonnais stadium. He was treated at the scene but medical personnel were unable to save his life.

His distressed family said he died doing what he loved. Fans left scarves, flags and jerseys near where he died.

Last night, Mr O’Neill said the “thoughts of all the players and the backroom staff are with Robert’s family and friends at this time”.

He added that as a mark of respect for Mr Rainey, the Irish Football Association would request that the Northern Ireland players wear black arm bands for the game against Germany in Paris on Tuesday night.

The players also wore black arm bands on Thursday night in memory of Ballymena supporter Darren Rodgers (24), who died in a fall from Nice promenade last week.

The crowd engaged in a minute’s applause at the 24th minute.