Around 200 NHS staff members were applauded during Watford’s victory in a lap of honour around Vicarage Road.

During the half time at Watford’s game against Aston Villa, Hornets fans thanked NHS workers for their work during the pandemic.

There was also a big screen tributing fans who died in the months between yesterday (August 14) and the last match with full attendance back in February 2020.

A team of NHS workers wearing their hospital scrubs and face masks walked in a line as crowds cheered them for their efforts and sacrifices since the pandemic first hit.

In a tweet acknowledging the lap of honour, the West Hertfordshire NHS Trust said: “WOW! What an incredible reception for West Herts NHS staff at Vicarage Road earlier!

“Thanks so much to both sets of fans @WatfordFC and at @AVFCOffical for showing our amazing staff just how appreciated they are. We felt the love @premierleague

Later, the trust wrote: “So much love still flooding in after ystdy’s footie crowd tribute to our amazing staff.

“Let’s hear it for volunteers too @WHHTVolunteer and @WatfordFC volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder with us and we thank them for their support, strength and smiles during tough times.”

Watford FC has had a tight relationship with the NHS trust over the pandemic, with continuous support to local NHS workers who had to sacrifice endless hours and work on the frontline during the unprecedented times.

Some of this support includes the Vic being turned into a West Herts Sanctuary during the peaks of the pandemic for staff to unwind and rest over the busy period, setting up a memorial room for the NHS workers that died because of Covid-19, and using the site as a mass vaccination centre to most local hospital workers.

While NHS members were overwhelmed by the support shown during the half time, Hornets fans had a reason to celebrate in general as Watford announced their return to the Premier League with a 3-2 win over Aston Villa.