Colombia plane crash: Atletico Nacional ‘ask Conmebol to award Chapecoense the title’ after team are involved in tragic disaster
THE Brazilian club wiped out in a devastating plane crash could be awarded the title they were on their way to play for.
Atletico Nacional have reportedly asked the South American Football Confederation to award the Copa Sudamericana title to Chapecoense Real following the Brazilian club’s tragic plane crash.
Chapecoense were flying to Colombia to play Atletico in the final of the competition – equivalent to the Europa League – when Flight AMI2933 crashed.
Keep up to date with ALL the football news, gossip and transfers on our club page
The Samba club – branded ‘the Leicester of the Brazilian League’ – were wiped out as 75 people died, including players and coaches from the top-tier side.
According to Brazilian soccer journalist Paulo Freitas, Atletico have requested Conmebol to award the South American Cup to Chapecoense.
Atletico also released a statement, reading: “The National deeply regrets and sympathises with Chapecoense by the accident, and expects information from the authorities.”
Despite the touching gesture, no decision over the outcome of the match has been made yet by Conmebol.
Indeed, ALL South American football has been suspended until further notice.
Fans mourning one of football’s biggest disasters found the request fitting, though admitted “nothing could compensate the lives lost”.
Jonas Giaever said: “A nice gesture, but certainly one that means very little at this time.”
READ MORE ON THE COLOMBIA PLANE CRASH:
Former Champions League star posted final haunting picture from inside doomed flight
Neymar and David De Gea lead crash tributes along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United
Who is Alan Ruschel? Chapecoense defender and Colombia plane crash survivor – here’s what we know
Jack Knight added: “Timely and perfect that gesture.”
Rishi Sarda said: “Amazing gesture and respect for the same but nothing can compensate the lives lost at this moment.”
The crash is by far the deadliest air disaster in the world this year, as authorities struggled to save only five from the wreckage site near La Ceja.
Police confirmed the shocking death toll after hours of mixed reports suggested there had been dozens of survivors.
But only five people made it through the accident, with one later dying in hospital.
Treacherous weather conditions severely hampered the rescue operation as ambulances struggled to reach the remote crash site.
As the shockwaves hit the footballing world, Barcelona star Neymar led the tributes to those involved in the accident.
The Brazil superstar posted an emotional tribute on social media.
It read: “Cannot believe this tragedy, impossible to believe happened, impossible to believe that the plane crashed, impossible to believe that athletes, humans were on that plane, impossible to believe that these people left their families .. is IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE !!! Today the world mourns, but the sky is is happy to receive Champions. My feelings all family and friends.”