Bournemouth stood to applaud grieving Harry Arter

Ireland international midfielder Harry Arter was given a dressing-room standing ovation by his Bournemouth team-mates following his brave decision to play in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Manchester United.

Arter played just days after he and his partner lost their baby at birth.

Bournemouth midfielder Dan Gosling also revealed that a prayer was said before the game with club chaplain Andy Rimmer in attendance.

Gosling said: “We had a little prayer before the game. Andy came in to do it and we were all together afterwards as well.

“After Junior Stanislas’s first goal, we all went over to Harry and it was very emotional.

“When he came back in, he got a standing ovation because to play in the manner he did under those circumstances was a great testament to him and his family.

“We hope he and his partner can move on from this tragedy and we will be there to support them every step of the way.

“It was around 7.30am on Thursday morning when Harry put out a message to the lads explaining what had happened. I just couldn’t believe it.

“But he still came in, trained and showed great professionalism. He has been a great credit to himself and his family. I think it was right he got taken off when he did. Understandably, his emotions were coming to the surface but I hope he gets plenty of plaudits for the way he played.”