CLARETS fans put their celebrations on hold during Saturday’s game to pay tribute to an 11-year-old who died in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Robbie Williamson, who attended Shuttleworth College, was walking on a pipe attached to the canal bridge in Lowerhouse Lane, Rosegrove, when he slipped and hit his head on the path before landing in the water on Tuesday evening.

The crowd at Turf Moor commemorated his short life with a minute’s applause during the 11th minute of the game against Ipswich.

His photo was also shown on the huge screen in the stadium.

An inquest into Robbie’s death was due to be opened today. Tributes have been paid to the youngster, who was described by his devastated dad Dean as ‘funny and cheeky’.

Hundreds of bouquets of flowers have been left at the canal bridge, with some mourners tying their bouquets to railings leading from the main road because of the vast number of floral tributes.

Messages to Robbie, of Bear Street, have also been written on the bridge wall.

They have since spread to the pavement due to a lack of space.

During Saturday’s game, Nick Bings tweeted: “Fantastic to see the @Burnley Official bench on their feet to pay tribute to Robbie Williamson. Classy touch. RIP.”

And Jordan Harman posted: “Fair play to @Burnley Official supporters for the standing applause for Robbie Williamson, one of their young fans who passed away. Top club.”