Middlesbrough fans have united with Sunderland supporters to issue a heartwarming message of support to Grant Leadbitter.
The former Boro midfielder has been given a leave of absence by Phil Parkinson to deal with "personal issues" at the beginning of the month.
Leadbitter began his career at Sunderland but would go on to make 244 appearances for Middlesbrough after signing for the club in 2012.
The 34-year-old rejoined the Black Cats in January 2019, but the emotional banner at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday show the midfielder is still highly regarded by supporters.
Ahead of the side's Championship clash with Luton Town, fans held aloft: "Tough times don't last. We're with you Grant."
Chants of "Grant Leadbitter, you're one of our own" also rang out among the travelling Sunderland supporters at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford.
The reason for the 34-year-old's absence from the squad for the defeat at Portsmouth was initially given as illness, but Parkinson later confirmed he will not be considered for selection for a few weeks due to personal matters.
The Black Cats boss said: "Grant is going to have a few weeks away.
"He's got some personal issues he needs to sort and we're going to give him any help we can.
"He's going to have some time away from the club and hopefully he'll come back stronger and fitter than ever."
