MIDDLESBROUGH football fans are planning a poignant tribute tomorrow night (Tuesday) to BBC commentator Ali Brownlee after "The Voice of the Boro" was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Ali has commentated on the Boro for 33 years and a tribute is planned for the 33rd minute of the Capital One Cup quarter-final against Everton at the Riverside.

Several fan groups on Facebook are uniting behind the planned tribute to the BBC Tees commentator who will soon begin chemotherapy in a bid to beat the disease.

The game is on television and the message to fans is to light up their phones and sing in tribute to Ali on the 33rd minute.

One of the organisers, in a message to The Northern Echo, said: "It will show how united Teesside is with Ali during his own personal fight."

Boro fans sang "Ali Brownlee - he's one of our own" during the team's 2-0 win at Huddersfield at the weekend.

 

That promted Ali to tweet: "What can I say? Few times have I been reduced to tears but the support from the Boro fans has been so emotional for me . Thank you."

Listen to Saturday's tribute by clicking on the link above.