Emotions run high as Nantes pay special tribute to Emiliano Sala in first match since player went missing

- A video of Sala's best moments as a Nantes player featured before the start of their first game since he went missing

- The game was stopped in the ninth minute and fans gave a round of applause for Sala

- Players wore a green armband to symbolise hope of finding the Cardiff player

-Sala and pilot Ibbotson were aboard a light aircraft that disappeared of the Channel Islands

Nantes players paid an emotional tribute to former teammate Emiliano Sala, who was on board a light aircraft that vanished over the Channel Islands on 21 January.

The Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fronteneau was filled to capacity with emotional fans branding Argentina and Nantes colours as well as images of the former striker.

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The game against Siant Ettiene ended all square after goals from Remy Cabella and Majeed Waris put the score at 1-1 at stoppage time.

A video featuring his highlights while still in Nantes played before the game played on Wednesday, January 30.

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Sala had just signed for Cardiff City and was on his way back to his new club after bidding farewell to his teammates back in France, before him and pilot David Ibbotson disappeared.

Players from both teams were also donned in shirts bearing an image of the Forward with the words "Om ta'ime Emi" which is French for "We love you Emi".

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Play was stopped in the ninth minute — the players number — and the whole stadium erupted in a minute of applause which reduced Sala's ex-manager Vahid Halihodzic to tears.

Waris, Nantes goalscorer, celebrated by emotionally pointing to an image of Sala underneath his shirt.

Players from both teams wore a green armband to symbolise hope of finding the Argentine.

YEN.com.gh previously reported that some parts of the missing plane (two cushions) transporting Cardiff City record signing Sala have reportedly been found on a French beach.

The 28-year-old Argentine striker was on his way to join his new teammates in Wales when his aircraft vanished last Monday.

Source: YEN.com.gh