WHEN Scott Charters heard about the plane that crashed carrying footballer Emiliano Sala from France to Wales he wanted to do something to help.

Scott, who is a Cardiff City and Carlisle United fan, said he was “deeply saddened” after news of the crash carrying the FC Nantes player broke.

He said: “I’m a Cardiff City supporter through family connections but I’m a Carlisle fan too.

“I’ve followed Cardiff all my life. Sala was going to sign for us. He’d just gone back home to say bye to his fellow players and fans when the tragedy happened and the plane crashed.”

Supporters sent flags and scarves to both Cardiff City and FC Nantes to form part of a memorial to Sala.

Scott, 50, said: “I joined the FC Nantes family Facebook group and sent my condolences.

“A few of my friends and I shared pictures and we grieved together.”

Scott and his friends, Michael Thorne and Eddie Roper, had a banner made in memory of Sala.

“Some of my friends went over to Nantes to deliver it. They stayed with some Nantes fans and were looked after like guests of honour. When something like this happens it really brings everyone together. We shared our grief together.”

Scott, of Richmond Green, Morton, Carlisle, and his friends Danny and Zane arranged for a Carlisle United scarf to be sent to Cardiff City.

“My friend Eddie placed the scarf from us with a note. I’ve had loads of messages thanking me. I just thought it would be a nice thing to do.

“It’s at times like this when you put rivalry and hatred for other clubs aside.”

Scott, who works as a bin loader with Carlisle City Council, has also donated to the private fund set up to find Sala’s body.

He is hoping to help organise a Cardiff v FC Nantes pre-season match - in memory of Sala - and get the club’s two mascots to take part in a penalty shoot out.

Earlier this week a body was recovered from the wreckage of the plane.

It is not yet known if it is the body of Sala or pilot David Ibbotson.

The plane vanished two weeks ago over the English Channel. It was later found off Guernsey.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Sala’s former club, French Ligue 1 side Nantes, has demanded Cardiff City pay his £15m transfer fee. Sala, 28, was Cardiff’s record signing but never played for the club.