Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has made an impassioned plea to fans of the club to respect the minute's silence due to be observed before the start of the derby match with Manchester United on February 6th.
The event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of eight United players and several club officials on February 6th 1958.
It is thought that the clubs had considered replacing the traditional silence with a minute's applause in case fans tried to disrupt it, but it is hoped that Eriksson's appeal will mean all fans respectfully honour the victims.
The former England manager makes his request in a commemorative brochure to be handed out to each of the 3,000 away fans at the match at Old Trafford.
"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," he writes.
"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 will also mark their respect by wearing a specially-made, logo-free 1950s-style kit for the game.
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
