Ireland international Harry Arter received resounding praise yesterday for battling on to line out for Bournemouth, just days after the death of his child.
Arter played for 86 minutes of Bournemouth's shock 2-1 victory over Manchester United before being substituted and embraced by his manager Eddie Howe.
.@afcbournemouth boss Eddie Howe pays tribute to Harry Arter after death of his daughter https://t.co/iRJEKvuGky pic.twitter.com/r7iedpaKQw
— PA Dugout (@PAdugout) December 12, 2015
Howe said his midfielder carried himself with 'real dignity' and commented on the difficult week that Arter and his family have endured:
'It's been a hugely emotional week for him. I think he's handled himself with real dignity throughout the process, and to play the way he did today, with the emotions running through his body, I can't credit him enough for that. He showed real strength to keep his emotions in check, and I've got to say his team-mates rallied around him really well. There were some emotional scenes in the dressing room afterwards.'
Speaking after the game, Atler revealed that he dedicated his performance to his family following their tragic loss.
'While people maybe grieve in their own way, I found it easier to come in and play and try and do everyone proud. I said before the game that one reason I wanted to play was to dedicate the game to everyone associated with my family - my family that are here and not here."
'The support of everyone at the club is why I felt like I wanted to play as well. They have been unbelievable for me this week and made things a tad easier. I am sure my partner at home will be really proud too. It's a game that we can look back on with a lot of pride.'
Recognition of Arter's valiant act was also evident on social media as people posted tributes to the 25 year-old.
Eddie Howe great manager. Brilliant photo this coming after a hard week for Harry Arter. pic.twitter.com/40ZWHFCk3U
— J-Ho (@J_Ho_MCFC) December 13, 2015
Only now seen the news regarding Harry Arter..... Huge respect for the man. God bless him and his family.
— Nathan Burton (@Burton_MUFC) December 13, 2015
Credit to Bournemouth's Harry Arter for playing yesterday after he and his wife lost their unborn baby earlier this week. #trueprofessional
— Arsenal News (@__arsenalnews_) December 13, 2015
Huge respect for Harry Arter who helped Bournemouth beat Man Utd despite the loss of his child at birth this week. pic.twitter.com/FYIPbQ8yuS
— Football Funnys (@FootballFunnys) December 13, 2015
Huge respect for Harry Arter, must've been an awful experience for him & his partner
— Ash (@dcfc_89) December 13, 2015
Respect to @afcbournemouth player @HarryArter2 playing yesterday after the death of his daughter. Those 3 points were for your baby. #RIP
— Gareth Worrall (@gazworrall33) December 13, 2015
Bournemouth secured the win through goals from Junior Stanislas and Joshua King while Marouane Fellani pulled one back for the Red Devils.
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