Addicks boss sings praises of Boro fans

NATHAN Jones had special praise for Middlesbrough and the supporters after Tuesday's night's clash at the Valley.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Boro won the game 2-1 courtesy of goals from Riley McGree and Morgan Whittaker, as they reduced the gap to table-toppers Coventry City to just five points.

But it was an emotional evening in London as Charlton paid tribute to Norman Barker, a well-known supporter affectionately known as 'headphones Norm' who tragically died after collapsing at their game against Portsmouth on Saturday.

As well as tributes before the game, the referee called a halt to the action in the 13th minute as everyone applauded to pay their respects.

That included the nearly-2,500 strong Boro away end, who even started chanting 'One Norman Barker' at one point in a classy moment that didn't go unnoticed by the Addicks boss.

Jones said: "I thought it was a really poignant tribute. A touch of class from our football club in terms of how we organised, and then credit to the Middles-brough fans who were truly outstanding.

"Not all fans are like that and not all fans would have been as respectful. We thank them but we know they're a class football club. We've lost one of our family. His family were here tonight and our thoughts will remain with them because they've lost someone very dear to them."