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Orlando City halt first game back after nightclub attack to pay emotional tribute to 49 victims

“All You Need is Love” played out as the players took to the field.

THE FIRST MAJOR sporting event in the city of Orlando since last week’s horrific attack at the Pulse nightclub was marked with an emotional tribute to the 49 victims.

Major League Soccer / YouTube

Orlando City’s MLS game against San Jose Earthquakes last night was temporarily halted in the 49th minute as the whole stadium rose in unison to remember those who so tragically lost their lives.

Both teams wore purple t-shirts with #OrlandoUnited onto the pitch while also wearing rainbow and black wristbands.

The game was preceded by an emotional rendition of the American national anthem while a section of seats were left empty, filled only by single colourful balloons.

“I’m so glad it was a home game this week, to give fans the opportunity to rally around something other than grief,” Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer said.

Other Major League Soccer clubs showed their support for Orlando during the weekend’s games.

On the pitch, Orlando were held to a 2-2 draw after a dramatic finish at the Camping World Stadium but the result seemed immaterial as the city once again united at the end of a painful week.

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