Well played, Leeds United.
With the coronavirus pandemic still plaguing sports events, the absence of live crowds is being felt more than ever.
And while fans are still having to watch games from the comfort of their own homes, another famous football tradition has also been put on hold for the time being - mascots.
Only this weekend, Leeds came up with a beautiful gesture that allowed one lucky supporter to walk out alongside their favourite team.
Hope you all enjoyed the game Elliot. You stay strong young man. We are all with you and it was our pleasure to have you walk on the pitch with us. Sending all the love and strength in the world 🙌🏼🤍 https://t.co/XMEsM1f9aV
— Liam Cooper (@LiamCooper__) November 22, 2020
The Premier League newcomers produced a heart-warming moment by having a virtual mascot for their clash against Arsenal.
But this wasn't just your standard mascot, this was actually 13-year-old cancer patient Elliot Metcalfe who became the first ever mascot to appear on a tablet through a live stream.
Leeds United are doing a live video link for a young fan who wanted to be a mascot 🙏
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 22, 2020
An incredible touch from the club 👏 pic.twitter.com/tKC6b6dqLq
Incredibly, the club arranged for young Elliot to Zoom or FaceTime call Leeds captain Liam Cooper as the two teams prepared for kick-off at Elland Road.
And as Cooper emerged from the tunnel, he was seen holding an iPad with Elliot on the other end of the line wearing his Leeds jersey.
With Cooper holding the tablet tight to his chest as he walked out onto the pitch, cameras quickly zoomed in to show Elliot's glowing smile before his live image appeared on the big screen inside the stadium.
It's understood the Make a Wish Foundation worked closely with Leeds to arrange the brilliant gesture.
And while Elliot himself was probably over the moon, fans on social media were equally as impressed.
Classy stuff.
What a lovely thing to do, in heartbreaking circumstances 💔. My club just keeps on getting better and better. Keep fighting Elliot👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Proud as a peacock (@🏠) (@metalliman72) November 22, 2020
A really sweet moment - Leeds doing a virtual mascot experience for Elliot Metcalfe, a young boy suffering from cancer. Liam Cooper carrying an ipad onto the pitch with a live feed to the family home. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) November 22, 2020
I don't know if I've ever seen anyone take the role model aspect of being a captain quite as seriously as Liam Cooper does.
— The Scratching Shed 🏆 (@TSSLUFC) November 22, 2020
Lovely touch with the iPad, but not in the least bit surprising. He does this kind of stuff all the time. #lufc
What an absolutely class act from @LiamCooper__ - virtual mascot for a little fan with cancer 💙💛 #lufc. pic.twitter.com/SVaZ2bSkxB
— Clair (@rugbyleaguelady) November 22, 2020
Nice touch today from Liam Cooper holding an ipad and Zooming today’s masco Elliot Metcalfe, 13, through the Make a Wish Foundation. #lufc pic.twitter.com/g6foZHgtBU
— Adam Pope (@apopey) November 22, 2020
Liam Cooper holding an iPad and video calling 13 year old Leeds Fan Elliot Metcalfe, who is suffering from cancer, as Leeds United emerge to face Arsenal.
— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) November 22, 2020
Beautiful ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sEitXSc0kb
source https://www.sportbible.com/australia/football-news-13-year-old-cancer-patient-becomes-leeds-united-mascot-via-zoom-call-20201123
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