AFTV paid a heartfelt tribute to Claude Callegari with a minute's applause during Arsenal's Premier League clash with Liverpool.
They had chosen the 19th minute before the match, as Claude's birthday was 19 October 1962. So when the 19th minute arrived, Robbie Lyle stood up and was joined by the rest of the channel in a round of applause for their friend. A moving moment.
Claude passed away at the end of March at the age of 58, shocking Arsenal fans.
Lovely to see AFTV and viewers clapping for Claude in the 19th minute. RIP LEGEND #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/ooVfwEb2vU
— AFC_99 (@graemebrazil27) April 3, 2021
Claude was born on the 19th of October 1962, and that's why we have chosen the 19th minute for this tribute. ❤️
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) April 3, 2021
He was originally an ever-present on AFTV, which was founded in 2012, alongside presenter Lyle.
Fans on social media paid tribute to the staunch Gooner, reacting with applause and tributes of their own on Twitter during the 19th minute.
Robbie, DT, Troopz, Lee & Pippa share some fond memories of Claude on our Starting XI live stream. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/trsKbTE6z0
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) April 3, 2021
The tribute certainly didn't take attention away from the football, as Arsenal and Liverpool played out a relatively quiet 0-0 in the first half of their encounter at the Emirates.
Please get involved to honour a legend 👏#RIPClaude ❤️ https://t.co/fT62uG7quy
— AFTV Picks (@AFTVPicks) April 3, 2021
Callegari's family confirmed the former AFTV star - popular for his "It's time to go!" catchphrase - tragically died of natural causes. Callegari was a regular on the Arsenal fan channel and a close friend of founder Lyle.
His family took to social media to address his death on Friday, while also thanking fans for their 'ongoing support'.
The post reads: "My family and I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and kind words during this extremely distressing time.
"I am now able to officially confirm that my father passed away from natural causes relating to his health.
"I hope this will ensure an end to any speculation regarding the matter and our privacy can continue to be respected whilst we make arrangements for his funeral. Thank you."
R.I.P Legend! 💔❤@888Diesel @Imagooner @LeeGunner82 @KennyKen1972 @GlennAFCNewYalk @Stan_The_Man68 pic.twitter.com/NH80urKPTy
— CLAUDE AND THE BANSTA'S (@ClaudeBanstas) April 1, 2021
Let's hope the tribute on Saturday night helped Claude's family in showing how much he is missed, during what must be an incredibly difficult time.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-reactions-aftvs-moving-tribute-to-claude-callegari-during-arsenal-vs-liverpool-20210403
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