Fans plan 19th minute ovation for Petrov as support pours in

The club would like to thank fans for the overwhelming show of support for captain Stiliyan Petrov.

It was confirmed this afternoon that the Bulgarian midfielder had been diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia.

The claret and blue family - and supporters of football clubs from all over Europe - were quick to rally around the popular Villa skipper.

As well as the floods of goodwill messages on forums and social networking websites, a number of fan-driven tributes have been planned for tomorrow's game against Chelsea.

A campaign has been started on Twitter encouraging those in attendance at Villa Park to stand and applaud during the 19th minute of the match, in recognition of Petrov and his shirt number 19.

A 'Scarves for Stan' campaign also began on Twitter and Facebook, while many more supporters have pledged to hold aloft banners and shirts saluting the 32-year-old midfielder.

Meanwhile, a series of Twitter hashtags - such as #getwellsoonstan, #supportstan, #getwellstan and #prayforpetrov - have been in circulation as players, supporters and clubs from across the football community wished Petrov well.

Aston Villa v Chelsea