Celtic among football clubs to offer condolences after Columbia plane crash kills 76

Celtic are among football clubs have paid touching tribute to the victims of a devastating plane crash in Columbia.

The carrier crashed in the early hours of this morning, killing 76 people.

There are thought to be just five survivors.

Among the passengers were players from Brazilian club Chapecoense, who were on their way to contest the final of the Copa Sudamericana against Columbia’s Atletico Nacional.

The jet split in two when it crashed in mountains at around 10pm local time (3am UK time), just before it was due to land at Medellin Airport.

The Scottish champions were one of a host of sides to react to the tragic news.

Sending condolences to those involved, a message posted on their official Twitter account read: “The thoughts & prayers of everyone at Celtic are with all of those affected by the plane crash in Colombia.”

The hashtag # ForçaChapecoense is also being used to show solidarity, with Arsenal posting the message alongside: “Thinking of you.”

Fellow Premier League outfit Everton added: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at @ EFC are with @ChapecoenseReal and those affected by the tragedy in Colombia.”

While, similarly, a post via Manchester United’s social media channels said: “The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with @ ChapecoenseReal & all those affected by the tragedy in Colombia. ForçaChapecoense.”

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Cléber Santana was the first player confirmed as one of those to have lost their lives.

The 35-year-old turned out for the La Liga favourites between 2007 and 2010.

He also played for Spanish side Real Mallorca, before joining Chapecoense last year.

Mayor of Medellin Federico Gutierrez delivered an emotional statement in the aftermath of the incident, saying it could have been an “even greater tragedy.”

He commented: “This is a tragedy. we have pictures of the plane, which broke in two.

“We thank God the plane did not fall in an urban area because it could have been an even greater tragedy.”