PITTSBURGH — A group of Michael Vick supporters are planning to gather outside Heinz Field Thursday night before the Steelers-Panthers preseason game to show support.
"God forgives, So do we... Everyone deserves a second chance," said Jackie Page-Heidelberg, "Pittsburghers for Michael Vick" Facebook page admin. "Glad to have you in the Burgh Michael Vick!"
According to Page-Heidelberg, the group will gather outside Heinz Field Gate A at 6 p.m.
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The Facebook page has more than 23,000 members as of Wednesday afternoon.
“The hatred on display in the media is not representative of our Pittsburgh community,” said Page-Heidelberg. “Steeler Nation is strong and everyone deserves to be treated with respect.”
Vick himself has acknowledged the group on his personal Facebook page. He posted “I want to thank the thousands of fans that have welcomed me to Pittsburgh. I appreciate you.”
I want to thank the thousands of fans that have welcomed me to Pittsburgh. I appreciate you.https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsburghers-for-Michael-Vick/1616794195258283?fref=ts
Posted by Michael Vick on Tuesday, September 1, 2015
The announcement of this gathering comes a few days after animal advocates announced they plan on rallying outside the stadium in support of "the victims of Michael Vick."
According to the Facebook group "Candlelight Vigil for the Victims of Michael Vick," the vigil is planned for 6 p.m. outside Heinz Field.
The group says they'll gather near the Art Rooney statue at the south end of the stadium. An alternative location is on the sidewalk on the river side near the Mr. Rogers statue.
"Please be respectful. We are honoring the dogs, not looking for confrontation with Steelers fans or police officers who are there to control crowds," the Facebook group says.
A woman who plans on attending the vigil told Channel 11 News that there are people all over the country participating in person or at home.
Vick returned to football in 2009 after serving 18 months in prison for helping run an interstate dogfighting ring.
The Steelers host the Carolina Panthers Thursday at Heinz Field in the team's final preseason game.
The Black & Gold open the 2015 NFL season Thursday, Sept. 10 at the New England Patriots. It's a game you can watch ONLY on Channel 11 WPXI-TV!
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