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.Devastated Kiwi skipper Nelsen said he felt 'helpless' watching Tuesday's horror unfold in his hometown of Christchurch.The defender's family still live in the city but managed to emerge unscathed from the disaster, which has so far claimed 75 lives. Devastation: Many have lost their lives following the recent earthquake in Christchurch Blackburn gave Nelsen permission to miss training as he desperately tried to contact relatives.Tribute: Nelsen will wear a black armband against Aston VillaNelsen says he will pay tribute to those who lost their lives by wearing an armband during Rovers' match at Villa on Saturday.An emotional Nelsen said: 'I just feel so helpless. My family is okay.''Everyone got through unscathed but my sister literally went into labour half an hour after the earthquake.'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. '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. 'I was saying to my wife that I've been away from Christchurch for 14 or 15 years now. '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. 'Blackburn Rovers have been great. I didn't have to train and my team-mates have been understanding. '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