Oliver Kay
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Sven-Göran Eriksson, the Manchester City manager, will make a plea to the club’s supporters to respect a minute’s silence to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster before their derby match against Manchester United on February 10.
The clubs have worked together extensively over arrangements to mark the anniversary of the disaster on February 6, 1958, in which eight United players and several club officials were killed. The decision to hold a minute’s silence, as opposed to a minute’s applause, was taken despite fears that some City fans may interrupt it, but the club have asked Eriksson to plead with them to honour the victims.
In his letter, which will be included in a commemorative brochure to each of the 3,000 away fans at Old Trafford, Eriksson writes: “The 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster will be marked with a special commemoration. Many supporters will be aware that Manchester City lost one of our own in the tragedy, goalkeeper Frank Swift [who was a journalist for the News of the World at the time of the disaster]. Twenty-two players, staff and journalists also lost their lives.
“We ask that all supporters uphold the good name of Manchester City and respectfully support the commemorations, which will also be attended by friends and family of the victims, including Frank Swift’s family. Thank you for your support.”
United have been granted permission to wear a specially commissioned 1950s-style kit for the game – devoid of all logos and branding – as a one-off tribute to the “Busby Babes”.
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In reply to Graham;
Irrespective of whether you feel "set up" or not, the bottom line is this; all City have to do is be quiet for just 60 seconds, and considering their own connections with the tragedy... is that really asking too much of any right minded person??
Contrary to your opinion regarding the fixture listings; personally, I am pleased we are playing City on the particular anniversary, taking into consideration that both clubs were represented in the crash, the effect it had on the people of our city at the time (& still does) I think it is quite fitting that we should both play on this special anniversary.
How you feel âset upâ by wearing a special kit on this occasion, I donât understand; I see it more that you are showing respect for your involvement in the tragedy and being respectful of the occasion of the anniversary⦠lets just hope that the City fans inside O.T can also do the same; even if it is for only 60 seconds!!
And if you still feel that (I can only imagine) the F.A, UTD, the Premier League, Referees, the Media, Sky or whoever you feel has set you up⦠well, what better way to answer that than by being silent!!
Steve, Manchester.
Stephen Wright, Manchester, Greater Manchester
If less than 1% of City's following decide to disrupt the minute's silence, then it will be ruined and the media will have a field day, holier than thou United will milk the situation and the United fans goading the Blues with aeroplane arm actions will be delighted.
If less than 1% of the City following failed to observe a minute's applause, the club would receive a bit of credit. If I was cynical, I'd suggest that United want City to spoil the tribute. Good job I'm not...
That aside, the scheduling of this fixture is absolutely ridiculous in the first place.
Scott, Gorton,
Lets's pay our respects in the minutes silence, and then royally do them at home for the first time in yonks
Mark, Northwich,
Typical of where football is today. The fixture listing that allowed this game to be played on this date belies belief. The rivalary between the clubs is as hign intensity as any other Derby and this point alone should have raised concern. I am a Blue and want to go to OT for the game but will not because of the potential not only for the normal trouble that occurrs on Derby day but.... United should celebrate the anniversary but not at the expense of putting this game before the safety and well being of supporters from both sides. The City die hards will not keep quite and this replicates the mutual feeling of "hate" between the supporters (I live in Manchester and know die hards from both sides).
Not only that but City will wear a new kit for the day and I for one feel we are being set up.
Due to the intense pressure of a normal Derby what Referee in his right mind is going to give City any chance on the day. Name one that will not even more OT bias. CTID
Graham, Manchester, England