Wanderers star Stig Tofting is mourning the death of his 20-day-old baby son from meningitis.

The baby, named Jon, was born on March 12, but died after contracting the deadly illness.

The funeral was held in the family's hometown in Denmark and was attended by Tofting, his wife, Bettina, their two children, and a small group of family and friends.

The tragic news was broken to Tofting's shocked team mates by his fellow Danish international Per Frandsen.

Wanderers' manager Sam Allardyce said: "This is a terrible tragedy and we send our condolences to Stig and his family.

"News like this puts everything into perspective -- life is far more important than football."

Tofting had been allowed to return to Denmark by Wanderers to spend some time with his family -- and Jon -- before facing a four month prison sentence handed down in January for assault.

The midfield star was given permission to travel home last month, but had only days with his son before tragedy struck.

Tofting faces a prison sentence given to him after being found guilty of striking the owner of a restaurant, the Cafe Ketchup, and a chef during a party for the Danish squad after the team's World Cup defeat by England last summer.

The death is the latest in a series of tragedies to befall the 33-year-old Dane. When he was 13, Tofting found his parents dead at the family home after an apparent murder and suicide. In 1999 he was given a suspended prison term after being involved in a fight in the Danish city of Aarhus. Despite a lack of appearances this season for Wanderers, Tofting -- with his hard man midfield player reputation -- has been a firm crowd favourite at Bolton since he arrived in 2002 from Hamburg for £250,000.

His contract with the Wanderers was terminated by mutual agreement before his son's death.

Team mate Per Frandsen confirmed he had spoken to Tofting in the wake of the tragedy and revealed the Wanderers players had sent flowers to the funeral.

Fellow team mate Henrik Pedersen said: "This must be the worst thing that could happen to anyone.

"I was shocked when Per broke the news to us."

Other floral tributes were sent on behalf of the Danish national team, and previous club sides, Aarhus and Odense.

When he was allowed home to Denmark last month to spend time with his new son, Tofting paid tribute to his manager Sam Allardyce and his time at Bolton poignantly adding: "I feel it was generous of the manager to let me go home.

"He felt I should go back to clear up things so I can move on with my life, both privately and football wise."