More than 18,000 football fans took to their feet to applaud a North Berwick father-of-three who passed away suddenly earlier this month.

David Stewart was honoured on Saturday at Edinburgh’s Tynecastle Park as Hearts faced Aberdeen in the cinch Scottish Premiership.

Both sets of fans stood to applaud the 42-year-old as the match clock struck 42 minutes as a message was displayed on the stadium screens with a picture of David.

It read: “David from a massive Hearts family leaves behind wife Linzie, and three young kids, Bonnie (14) and twins Rossi and Sunnie (6).”

Fans in the main stand also unfurled a banner that read “David Stewart Legend”, while fireworks from outside the ground were set off in memory of the lifelong Hearts fan.

The moment was made even more poignant as, during the applause, Josh Ginnelly scored a fine goal for the home side, who went on to win 2-1.

Fans’ online forum Jambos Kickback was filled with touching messages directed at Davis who was well known by supporters.

One read: “Devastating news, puts life into perspective but unfortunately this is happening all to regular, young men losing their place in life.

“Hearts daft, Scotland daft and a really, really nice, genuine, generous guy.”

Another said: “A lovely poignant moment with those around me looking towards his picture. Hope that moment in time gives comfort and a lasting reflection in the days ahead for the family.”