Emotional Morgan Gibbs-White fights back tears as Nottingham Forest stars pay touching tribute to Elliot Anderson after passing of mum

Morgan Gibbs-White has sent an emotional message to Nottingham Forest teammate Elliot Anderson after his mother’s tragic passing.

Anderson missed Thursday’s Europa League triumph over Porto as he and his family grieved the devastating loss of Helen.

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Forest confirmed Anderson would be unavailable prior to the match at the City Ground, with a message shared on the club’s social media channels reading: “Elliot Anderson is unavailable for tonight’s fixture following the passing of his beloved mother, Helen.

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest Football Club extends its deepest condolences to Elliot and his family following this extremely sad news.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the Anderson family at this difficult time.”

In Anderson’s absence, Vitor Pereira’s side claimed a 1-0 victory to reach their first European semi-final for 42 years.

Gibbs-White scored the only goal of the game after just 12 minutes to set up a semi-final clash against Aston Villa.

His strike came four minutes after former Southampton player Jan Bednarek had been sent off for Porto for a late challenge on Chris Wood, who hobbled off a few minutes later.

Forest stars’ emotional message

Following his goal, Gibbs-White and his team-mates held up a shirt bearing a heartfelt message to Anderson.

The jersey, which had the words ‘Family first, we are all with you,’ printed below Anderson’s name and number, was displayed again by the players on the pitch at full-time.

An emotional Gibbs-White spoke to TNT Sports at full time, with the Forest captain paying tribute to Anderson once again.

The 26-year-old explained as his voice quivered: “Really emotional night. It’s a big shame, he’s an incredible kid and no one deserves this but we’re all with him.”

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Anderson, who missed last week’s first leg through suspension, has made 42 appearances for Forest across all competitions this season.

He also made his England debut in September and has since amassed seven caps for the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup.

Forest into last four

Reflecting on Thursday’s result, Gibbs-White added: “We got fortunate them going down to ten men, we knew it would be difficult.

“Incredible win and we go onto the semi-final. An incredible night.

“One of the best nights I’ve had at the City Ground, thanks to the fans and everyone that’s made it happen.

“We said early on that we’d take this competition full on and we deservedly got the win today. Now we rest and go into the league.”

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Forest will now contest their first European semi-final since losing to Anderlecht in the last four of the 1983/84 UEFA Cup.

The two-time European Cup winners face fellow former continental champions Villa for a place in May’s final.

As the seeded side, Villa will travel to the City Ground on Thursday, April 30 for the first leg.

They then welcome Forest to Villa Park the following week on Thursday, May 7.

The winner will face either Braga or Freiburg on Wednesday, May 20 at Besiktas Stadium in Istanbul.