CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Meschack Elia had to withdraw from the crucial game following the tragic death of his four-year-old son.
The DR Congo striker won four league titles with Swiss club Young Boys.
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Meschack Elia suffered a tragic lossCredit: Alamy
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Lukasz Lakomy holding Elia’s T-shirt as a tribute last night Credit: Getty
Elia played in their 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa in September and scored a stunning goal against Manchester City last season.
The 27-year-old was due to feature in the Bernese club’s Champions League game against Stuttgart on Wednesday.
But instead he flew back to Congo after learning that one of his twin boys had died after a short illness.
Elia’s partner Sarah was in that Central African country with her sons and one-year-old daughter.
Young Boys striker Lukasz Lakomy held Elia’s shirt aloft after scoring in the 5-1 rout of Stuttgart.
The club said: “Meschack Elia and the Young Boys received incredibly sad news on Tuesday.
“To everyone’s surprise, one of Meschack’s sons died after a short illness.
“Elia’s partner traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with his sons, where the tragic event took place.”
Club spokesman Albert Staudenmann said: “Meschack was on the floor when he heard the news – he was devastated.
“He went to his teammates, who tried to support him with words and hugs.
“We talked to the players before the match with Stuttgart and nobody said they didn’t want to participate.
“Everybody wanted to be in it together and do their best.”
The Young Boys are bottom of the 36-team Champions League table after losing all six of their games so far.
They should visit Celtic on January 22.
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Both teams held a moment of silence ahead of last night’s game Credit: Getty
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