Footballers long get criticised for being money-grabbing, heartless idiots and at times, supporters have every right to brand them in that light.

But what happened at Bristol City's Ashton Gate Stadium on Saturday afternoon well and truly restored the true meaning of football and how it really brings people together.

For those who aren't aware, Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert posted the tragic news that his father had passed in his arms on Twitter earlier this week.

For anyone, it doesn't get much worse and it was truly understandable that he played no part in the eventual 2-0 win over Bristol on Saturday afternoon.

But what happened after Steve Sidwell's opening strike was truly memorable and quite possibly, one of the most touching things we've seen on the pitch in recent years.

After running to the bench to celebrate with his colleagues, Sidwell raised aloft Knockaert's vacant shirt in a truly honest tribute to his late Dad.

It was a moment that almost made time stand still and it was appropriate that all of Brighton's players went over and joined him in the tributes.

Whilst Brighton fans will have undoubtedly enjoyed the victory, it was Sidwell's goal that really brought things into perspective in that exact moment.

The former Fulham man summed it up perfectly post-match when he said when asked about the celebration: "Football is a fantastic sport that we all love, but family comes first", and how right he is too.

In a generation and era where so much criticism is pointed in the direction of players, it was fantastic to see a group of footballers and friends do something to help their grieving team-mate.

There are honest, true people in our game, sometimes you've just got to find them.

But the best thing about this story? Knockaert's comments after the game. I'll leave you with his words.

“You just made me cry lads. I can't be more happy and positive with a group of people like you ! Thank you.”