This was the heartfelt tribute they paid to Freddy Rincón at Pascual Guerrero during the classic Cali-America

The tributes to Freddy Rincón continue after the tragic traffic accident in Cali (Valle del Cauca), which would end up killing him. The former footballer of the Colombia national team took the love of the more than 30 thousand fans who attended the Pascual Guerrero stadium this Sunday for the match between America and Deportivo Cali for the 16th date of the 2022-I BetPlay League.

The 'Colossus of Bonaventura' played in the 'Escarlata' ensemble from 1989 to 1993, after dazzling at Independiente Santa Fe. This is remembered in Caleñas as an idol and historical reference, since he had the chance to play 194 matches, between the Colombian league and the Copa Libertadores, and score 53 goals before leaving for Palmeiras, in Brazilian football. However, and beyond his professionalism, he never hid that the team of his loves was Cali.

Before the players took to the pitch, a series of images and videos of Freddy with the shirts of America and Colombia, and his last stage as a sports commentator, were projected on the northern grandstand of the sports stage. Rincón's last public appearance occurred last Friday, April 8, making an analysis and telling an anecdote in the prelude to the classic between America and Atlético Nacional .

Followed by this, in the grandstands of Pascual Guerrero, where the fans' Escarlata 'prevailed when sponsoring as a local, they began to applaud for several seconds while some of them let out tears. At times it was possible to hear the song of the fans, who chanted the name “Freddy”.

Later, the players came out on the pitch wearing the Colombia team shirt with the number 19, which characterized Rincón during his time in the 'Cafetero' team. In the middle of the event, each of the teams carried a poster with a phrase of solidarity. On the sides of America they showed a photo of the Colombian idol along with the message “#PorSiempreFreddy”; meanwhile, in the painting 'Azucarero' they also exhibited an image of the former footballer with the phrase: “Until forever Colossus 'FR19′”.

At the end of the formal events, the players went to the central circle of the field to carry out a minute of silence. During this event, the fans joined again with applause and let white bombs escape into the sky. A few meters in front of the tunnel through which the footballers leave, a shirt from America rested with the number 14, which used the 'Colossus' during his time at the institution.

Referents from the two squads also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Rincon. Adrian Ramos, scorer and captain of America, played the classic with the 14 jersey; and Teófilo Gutiérrez, when he entered the match in the second half, did so wearing the 19th jacket. Interestingly, the goals of the engagement, which ended 1-1, came on account of 'Adriancho' (78') and 'Teo' (67').

In recent days, messages of support and solidarity have not stopped following the death of Rincón. One of the most recent was a photograph posted on the official Instagram of Rincón's ex-wife and mother of their son Sebastian. Adriana Lucumí posted a photo showing her next to the 'Colossus of Buenaventura' on her wedding day. The photograph is accompanied by the message: “Rest in peace”.

Manuel Rincón, older brother of the 'Colossus', indicated that he expects an effective investigation by the authorities: “Now, after all this happens, it will be to find out what really happened because much is said and we hope that everything is clarified and we can rest assured.”

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