Rotherham United supporters and players pay tribute to fans Ruby Tucker and Andy Wood

Ryan Tucker is with mum Amy, son Jack and Ruby

FAMILY, fans and Rotherham United coaching staff sported pink to honour a young Miller who passed away in her sleep.

Before the match against West Bromwich Albion on Good Friday, the club announced it would pay respects to Ruby Tucker — and 16-year-old Andy Wood, who was killed in February.

Ruby was only 21 months old when she died in her sleep last month.

Ruby’s dad Ryan said the decision for Millers manager Matt Taylor and his staff to wear pink ribbons was “a really nice gesture”.

The Millers beat WBA 3-1 and Ryan said the win was “another bonus” — adding: “The tribute was really nice.

“They looked after us. They let me and my son Jack pitchside to watch the warm-up. They let us stand there high-fiving them all. It was really nice of them.

“Obviously, they got three points as well which was another bonus.

“It was lovely. They put a tribute on in halftime on the big screen and then everyone in the staff wore the pink ribbons… It was nice.

“There were a lot of fans with pink ribbons. It was really nice and warming. It feels good to know everybody is with you.”

He added they held Ruby’s funeral on Tuesday and had more than 100 people attend to pay their respects to the little girl — despite the bad weather forecast.

Ryan said: “It was obviously upsetting but went really well. It was a nice service. It could not go any better.”

Fans and club officials also remembered Andy, who was a season ticket holder.

The club said his last match had been against Gillingham last year, when the club secured a promotion back to the Championship.

Matt Taylor said after the West Brom win: “As pleased as we are to win, it’s a really sad day for the club. I found out about it only this week; not just Ruby but also the young lad, Andy, who was 16 years of age.

“I was pleased that the game had stopped for a free-kick when the minute’s applause happened. Our fans, their fans, both sets of players, everyone in the ground showed their appreciation.

“I hope there were some members from both families here today to feel the affection towards their children.

“Losing a child is a brutal thing in life and puts what we do into perspective. I think it united us at certain moments today.”

A man has been charged with murder over Andy’s death in Chelmsford, Essex, in February.