Ipswich hold minute's applause to pay emotional tribute to club legend and former England captain Terry Butcher following death of his son

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Former England football captain Terry Butcher displayed visible emotion as a tribute to his son rang out around Portman Road.

There was a minute's applause for Christopher, whose death was announced on Monday, ahead of Ipswich's Old Farm derby against Norwich on Sunday.

Terry, who played for the Tractor Boys for 10 years and is revered as a club legend, clapped during the homage to his son after a brief announcement inside the stadium.

Ex-England football captain Terry Butcher was emotional during a tribute to his son

A minute's applause rang out at Portman Road ahead of Ipswich's Old Farm game with Norwich

Christopher Butcher, 35, lived with his wife, Laura, at their home in Warrington

Butcher, 58, said his son Christopher's life had been 'tragically cut short' and described him as a 'dedicated captain in the British Army' after serving in Afghanistan with the Royal Artillery.

The 35-year-old's sudden death was announced by his younger brother Ed on Facebook earlier this week.

 A statement signed by the Butcher family, including Christopher's widow Laura said: 'Chris "Butch" Butcher was a beloved son, brother and husband.

'He was a formidable and true friend and a remarkable, loyal leader and soldier.

'Chris was a dedicated captain in the British Army and we are all so proud of everything that he gave for his country.

Terry Butcher had previously spoken of his pride at Christopher's service in the Army, but said in one interview, 'When he told me about going into that compound in Afghanistan, feeling the bullets pinging off his helmet, well...'

'Chris was a larger than life character whose personality, laughter and compassion touched the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

'He always put others before himself and was a true and trusted brother-in-arms.

'His life has been so tragically cut short, but we will cherish and treasure the memories we all shared, forever.'

The Butcher family thanked people for the 'overwhelming number of messages' following his death on Monday, which they said were 'a testament to how much love and respect surrounded Chris'.

The Army veteran son of former former England football captain Terry Butcher, 35-year-old Christopher (pictured) has died suddenly

'We are all devastated by his loss and thank you now for allowing us some time to ourselves, to grieve and come to terms with his passing,' their statement added. 

Chris had split from Laura before his sudden death - although they still lived together in Warrington, Cheshire - and he had reportedly been unwell for a long time.

Younger brother Edward posted an emotional Facebook post in which he described Christopher as 'my hero'. 

War hero Christopher had previously revealed he struggled to cope after leaving the Army following the stresses of serving in Afghanistan. 

He described himself on Facebook as 'just a moody bitter vet'.  

A next-door neighbour, who did not give his name, said: 'Christopher still lived there [at the Cheshire home] - in fact I saw him last week.

'He had been having treatment for a while for his post-traumatic stress disorder. 

'He'd told me he was struggling because of what he'd seen in the war.  He was always coming and going while he got treatment. 

'But they had basically split up. Laura will be devastated.' 

Another neighbour said: 'It's a terrible news. 

'Him and Laura had split up a long time ago but she obviously still cared for him.'  

Christopher (left), who was 35 and the ex-defender's (right) oldest son, had struggled to cope with the stresses of serving in Afghanistan

The 31-year-old posted: 'It is with the upmost sadness that I regret to say that my brother Christopher Butcher has passed away this morning. 

'My older brother was the best brother I can ever of asked for and his death has hit the entire family hard.  

'The family are together and we will release the dates of the funeral in due time. I wanted to put this on Facebook to inform all who knew him. 

'We know how greatly he was loved and we're sorry that we can't call every person who knew him to tell them.' 

He then posted another message saying: 'Chris you were my hero, you were my best friend and you were someone I would throw myself in the way of a truck for!  

'This is for you and thank you for everything you ever taught me and I will miss you for the rest of my life but you will never be forgotten!'  

Terry 58, was capped 77 times by England, and is most famous for his heavily-bloodied head and shirt during a game against Sweden in 1989

Scores of people responded to the post to pay tribute to the former Army Captain.

One said: 'Hello sir, I served with your brother in Iraq. ...he was my commander and a top bloke....sorely will be missed. .RIP boss'.

Another added: 'Incredibly sorry and heartbroken to hear this Ed. He was a an amazing guy and will be missed by so many'.

His father, 58, was capped 77 times by England, and is most famous for his heavily-bloodied head and shirt during a World Cup Qualifier against Sweden in 1989.

In his club career, he won the UEFA Cup with Ipswich, as well as three Scottish titles with Rangers, before managing the likes of Coventry, Sunderland and, most recently, Newport County. 

He had previously spoken of his pride at Christopher's service in the Army, but said in one interview, 'When he told me about going into that compound in Afghanistan, feeling the bullets pinging off his helmet, well...' before being overcome with emotion.