CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Meschack Elia had to pull out of a key game after the tragic death of his four-year-old son.
The DR Congo striker has won four league titles with Swiss club Young Boys.
Elia played in their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in September, and scored a stunning goal against Manchester City last season.
The 27-year-old was due to figure in the Berne club’s Champions League clash with Stuttgart on Wednesday.
But he instead flew back to the Congo after learning one of his twin boys had passed away after a short illness.
Elia’s partner Sarah was in the central African country with their sons and one-year-old daughter.
Young Boys striker Lukasz Lakomy held Elia’s shirt aloft after scoring in the 5-1 loss at Stuttgart.
The club announced: “Meschack Elia and Young Boys received incredibly sad news on Tuesday.
“To everyone’s surprise, one of Meschack’s sons has died after a brief illness.
“Elia’s partner had travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with their sons, where the tragic event took place.”
Club spokesman Albert Staudenmann said: “Meschack was on the floor when he heard the news – he was destroyed.
“He went to his team-mates, who tried to support him with words and embraces.
“We spoke to the players before the Stuttgart game, and nobody said they didn’t want to take part.
“They all wanted to be in it together, and to give their all.”
Young Boys are bottom of the 36-team Champions League table after losing all six of their games so far.
They are due to visit Celtic on January 22.
