Nottingham Forest pay poignant 47th-minute tribute to ice hockey star Adam Johnson after he was tragically killed by an opponent’s skate last month… seconds after Orel Mangala’s strike fired hosts two ahead against Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest all stood in the 47th minute in a tribute to Adam Johnson 
• In a fitting tribute, Steve Cooper’s side went on to score in the same minute
• READ: Tributes pour in for ice hockey star as hundreds flock to Nottingham 

Nottingham Forest fans held a poignant minute’s applause in the 47th minute to ice hockey star Adam Johnson – and even went on to score during the tribute.

The 29-year-old American was playing for Nottingham Panthers at rivals Sheffield Steelers last Saturday when he was reportedly hit by an opponent’s skate, causing a fatal injury as his throat was slit open.

Following on from an emotionally-charged memorial at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday, Nottingham Forest fans wanted to pay their own tribute during Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa.

In the 47th minute – chosen to correspond with the shirt number worn by Johnson for the Panthers – fans on all four sides of the City Ground stood up to applaud.

It would go on to be an even more memorable moment for all involved when, in the same minute as the tribute, Forest doubled their lead when Orel Mangala scored. 

Nottingham Forest fans marked the death of ice hockey star Adam Johnson in the 47th minute

Johnson’s image was circulated on the big screen, before Forest made it 2-0 during the tribute

Johnson died after his throat was fatally slit by a skate in a match against the Sheffield Steelers

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Along with the standing ovation and applause, a picture of Johnson was shown on the big scoreboard. 

A large replica of his No 47 jersey was also unfurled in the stands.

Forest put a call to their 600,000-plus followers on social media platform X before the game to spread the word about the planned tribute.

They added: ‘Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone affected by Adam’s tragic passing. He will never be forgotten.’ 

In response the Nottingham Panthers quoted the post and simply used one black and one yellow heart, the team’s colours.  

Several tributes have been paid to the player, while flowers and memorials were also laid 

A memorial was placed on the ice showing Johnson’s number 47 and his yellow playing shirt

Many fans held up or wore Johnson’s shirt on an emotional night for the ice hockey community

Johnson’s death has rocked the city of Nottingham and on Saturday many descended on Motorpoint Arena to sign a book of condolence. 

Supporters walked on the ice, which had a carpet over it, while players and Panthers staff attended.  

Mental health charities were also in attendance to help those deeply affected by Johnson’s death. Inside the arena, the Adam Johnson memorial jersey was for sale, part of the fundraising campaign for the player’s family.

‘The younger players looked up to him,’ says Chris Ellis, one of the Panthers backroom team. 

‘He wasn’t a captain but was so obviously a leader. He was a joy to work with.’ 

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