THE FAMILY of a popular Saints fan have made a final call for support for a special tribute.

Friends and family of Neel Modha are calling for supporters to join them in a minute’s applause at the Saints’ home match with Liverpool tonight.

The 39-year-old died last month due to an undiagnosed heart condition, and the family are calling for the applause to take place in the 39th minute of Saint’s clash with the Premier League title challengers.

Neel’s brother Vish said that the “happy” immigration officer had spent the day in Basingstoke with some friends and had just got in his car when he had a heart attack and was found dead by members of the public.

Vish said: “We’re all still coming to terms with Neel’s passing, but have taken great comfort from all of the support from friends, family and his fellow supporters.

“We would like everyone to join us in a minutes applause for Neel in the 39th minute to pay tribute and celebrate the life of a huge Saints fan that loved the club dearly.”

He added: “He was the main focal point in our family. He was always very bubbly, chatty and happy. That is the thing the family will miss the most.”

Neel, a former Richard Taunton College student, was single, and loved going to the stadium with his family and friends.

Rohit Kohli, 43, has known Neel for the past 30 years, said: “Neel has been a Saints fan for all his life.

“He followed Saints home and away. There are so many people who go to the football who knew him. We felt this would be the best way to pay tribute to him.

“We are just asking the fans to applaud.”

A spokesperson for the club said: “Southampton Football Club was saddened to learn of Neel Modha’s passing.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”