Source: Daily_Mail
Christchurch earthquake: Ryan Nelsen's black armband for New Zealand support
Blackburn skipper Ryan Nelsen will wear a black armband against Aston Villa following the New Zealand earthquake.[LNB]Devastated Kiwi skipper Nelsen said he felt 'helpless' watching Tuesday's horror unfold in his hometown of Christchurch.[LNB]The defender's family still live in the city but managed to emerge unscathed from the disaster, which has so far claimed 75 lives.[LNB] Devastation: Many have lost their lives following the recent earthquake in Christchurch [LNB]Blackburn gave Nelsen permission to miss training as he desperately tried to contact relatives.[LNB]Tribute: Nelsen will wear a black armband against Aston Villa[LNB]Nelsen says he will pay tribute to those who lost their lives by wearing an armband during Rovers' match at Villa on Saturday.[LNB]An emotional Nelsen said: 'I just feel so helpless. My family is okay.'[LNB]'Everyone got through unscathed but my sister literally went into labour half an hour after the earthquake.[LNB]'She was rushed into hospital. It was a little bit of a struggle in the end but, thank God, she had a little baby boy. [LNB]'I was up when I heard about it at about two in the morning and you can't get hold of anybody or your family. [LNB]'I was saying to my wife that I've been away from Christchurch for 14 or 15 years now. [LNB]'This is the one time I've wished I'd been back home with my family. I'd go back tomorrow if I knew I could help. If I can do anything, I'll be there. I'd jump on a plane, it's not a problem. [LNB]'Blackburn Rovers have been great. I didn't have to train and my team-mates have been understanding. [LNB]'I just feel so helpless knowing my friends and family are in a really bad time and a really bad place. I don't know if the rest of my team-mates will be allowed to, but 100 per cent I'm going to wear a black armband.' Captain Nelson to remain at Blackburn after ruling out move to another English clubBlackburn Rovers could miss out on Roque Santa Cruz and Jermaine JonesRoma's ?16m-rated Vucinic earmarked by Blackburn as marquee signingAll the latest Blackburn news, features and opinion[LNB]
