Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan was consoled by Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands 2-2 draw with Germany on Monday.
Van Dijk’s 91st-minute equaliser ensured the Dutch reached the semi-finals of the Nations League.
And the Liverpool defender showed his human side embracing the official at the final whistle.
“That man broke down, stood with tears in his eyes because he had just lost his mother,” Van Dijk said.
“I wished him strength and said he had refereed well. It’s a small thing, but I hope it helped him.” Read more
