Aston Villa Fans Pay Tribute to Bulgarian Hero Stiliyan Petrov

The masks were laid out before the game and fans put them on to make their feelings for Petrov known. Photos by PA

Aston Villa supporters put on masks of retiring club captain Stiliyan Petrov as the club played their final match of the season on what they called ‘Petrov Day’.

Villa faced fellow strugglers Wigan at the DW Stadium in the May 19 game and paid tribute to their captain, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia last March.

Fans wore Villa, Celtic or Bulgaria shirts to honor the midfielder, now in remission.

All season, supporters have applauded the Bulgarian in the 19th minute — a reference to his squad number — and the 3,000 travelling Villa fans plan to display banners bearing the words ‘Petrov 19’.

Earlier in May Petrov, 33, announced officially his retirement from football as he continues his fight against acute leukaemia.

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