Tributes paid to much loved Wales fan who made headlines at Euro 2016

He was the Wales fan who famously summed up all our feelings during the highs and lows of the Euro 2016 clash with England in Lens.

Richie Donovan, from Newport, was captured on camera undergoing the agony and ecstasy of being a Wales fan at the Euros in France.

TV cameras showed Richie’s reactions when two late goals broke Welsh hearts but also brilliantly demonstrated the passion of Richie and his mates as they appeared on the big screen.

RIP Ritchie ❤️🧡🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 x#UTC #oneclubonecounty #redwall pic.twitter.com/3IkvU7rkmw

— Nickynackynoo (@nicnacnoopixs) September 25, 2022

Richie was also a dedicated Newport County fan and was honoured with a minute’s applause by his club before yesterday’s home game against Carlisle United.

“Richie was someone who embodied the Welsh spirit,” said close friend John Morgan, a member of Newport County and Wales fans band Tinty & The Bucket Hats. “He was more than just the crying man from Lens. He was the cultural figure of what it is to be a Welsh football fan, he was ‘popeth’. Always a voice of reason when the county were up and down. He showcased a true passion and belief in our toughest moments, that we’re still here. And he is still here with us in spirit. Forever stronger thanks to Richie.”

A tribute to the much loved fan is now planned at this evening’s Nations League game against Poland.

All of us here at Nation Cymru send our love to Richie’s family and friends.

RIP legend.