6 December, 2013: Flags are flying at half mast at the Stadium of Light today as Sunderland AFC pays tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela, who passed away last night.
SAFC is a Legacy Advocate for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the only football club in the world to form such a partnership and club officials recently travelled to Johannesburg to mark the opening of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
SAFC chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Mandela, a truly great man.
"The thoughts of everyone at Sunderland AFC are with the family of Mr Mandela, our friends and colleagues at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the people of South Africa."
A minute's applause will take place ahead of Saturday's game against Tottenham Hotspur as a tribute to Mr Mandela.