A GROUP of Bristol City fans is raising funds to create a display to support Liam Manning and his family after “the tragic news of the unimaginable loss of their recently born son, Theo”.

The fan group Section 82 is helping to facilitate the display which will be shown at Ashton Gate this Saturday, when Bristol City play Leeds United at 12.30pm.

A message published on the online fundraising page read: “In this time of profound grief, we want to show our love, support and solidarity to the Manning family with a heartfelt tribute to their son, Theo.

“Therefore, our aim is to create a visual tribute that captures the outpouring of love and condolence shared by City fans, and indeed the entire football community, in support of the Manning family during this unthinkably difficult time.”

James Ewing, a member of Section 82 this afternoon, added: “When you hear such devastating news, particularly when it’s affecting someone that we, as City fans, of course feel a huge personal affinity towards, the question that I suppose is natural to ask from within is, what can we do, on a local level, to show our support.

“And the answer to that, from our perspective, was to plan a large-scale demonstration of our love and support as an entire fanbase at Ashton Gate this weekend.

“The intention is to have a display that covers two entire stands with a meaningful tribute to Theo.

“We’ve already smashed the initial £5,000 target, which fully covers the cost of the planned display, meaning that everything raised above that amount will be going to an appropriate charity of the Manning’s choice.

“Therefore, we would love for people to continue sharing the fundraiser and to contribute if they are able to, it will remain open until November 14.”