Minutes silence for Munich

[Joe King]

This is turning into a massive debate across the footballing world that even the Government are getting involved.

Minutes silences are expected to be conducted at all football stadiums in England as a mark of respect for those who passed away in the Munich air disaster, 50 years ago.

After a minutes applause was rejected by Manchester United, Manchester City have been asked to co-operate in respecting those who died 50 years ago.

That raises a couple of things:
1. Which idiot scheduled this match on this date?
2. I would like to think people do respect other tragedies but realistically, does anyone think this will happen?

[Boogs]

This is turning into a massive debate across the footballing world that even the Government are getting involved.

Minutes silences are expected to be conducted at all football stadiums in England as a mark of respect for those who passed away in the Munich air disaster, 50 years ago.

After a minutes applause was rejected by Manchester United, Manchester City have been asked to co-operate in respecting those who died 50 years ago.

That raises a couple of things:
1. Which idiot scheduled this match on this date?
2. I would like to think people do respect other tragedies but realistically, does anyone think this will happen?

A Computer

[andyinswinton]

I would have thought a minority of City fans will make some sort of noise.

The thing is though, even if the City lot were quiet but then sung Munich songs for 90 minutes, how would that be perceived? I mean minutes silences are followed but there are some pretty poor chants out there which seem to go unnoticed.

I can't believe that this game was scheduled for that day. This was bound to happen.

[Shaggy]

City fans will ****ing ruin it big style.

[sonsofthedesert]

I think any decent human being should observe this. Simple mark of respect for people that lost their lives.

[The Glove]

City fans will ****ing ruin it big style.

But will they? If they do then they will get slammed big style then that in turn makes the Mancs look great so they lose on both accounts.

[Shaggy]

But will they? If they do then they will get slammed big style then that in turn makes the Mancs look great so they lose on both accounts.

You and I both know that but I doubt a handful of pissed up morons will give that much consideration.

I will be surprised, very surprised, if they keep quiet and respectful. I hope they prove me wrong but I can't see it.

That said, this major media focus on the whole thing might just make 'em think twice.

[jonesie]

I still can't believe they are not having a minute's silence before the England game on the actual day of the anniversary. But seeing as dickheads would ruin it it's probably right.

[Radar]

This is turning into a massive debate across the footballing world that even the Government are getting involved.

Minutes silences are expected to be conducted at all football stadiums in England as a mark of respect for those who passed away in the Munich air disaster, 50 years ago.

After a minutes applause was rejected by Manchester United, Manchester City have been asked to co-operate in respecting those who died 50 years ago.

That raises a couple of things:
1. Which idiot scheduled this match on this date?
2. I would like to think people do respect other tragedies but realistically, does anyone think this will happen?

The applause thing is starting to catch on over here in the US. I personally like it better than a moment silence

[slimbimjim]

The applause thing is starting to catch on over here in the US. I personally like it better than a moment silence

I prefer clapping as it's seen as celebrating their lives rather than mourning their deaths.

[Marky]

I definetely think a minutes silence is more appropriate to remember those who died in such tragedies, in fact i'd prefer a minutes silence full stop, don't really like a minutes clapping. However in this case i think a minutes clapping should be the way to go, everyone knows this won't go off without disturbances, it only takes 10 morons to ruin it.

[alunevans]

I think it's one thing to choose a minute's applause because it feels right. It's another thing to be forced into it by fears of disrespectful morons.

If Man U feel a minute's silence is appropriate then thats the end of the discussion for me. It should be fully respected by all supporters, irrespective of club.

I hope all stewards at the ground are vigilant to spot anyone who may ruin it and chuck them out.

I wonder if anyone watched the 1957 cup final recently on that BBC4 programme that looked at footy then and now. It was horrible watching it knowing that so many of the lads on the pitch were dead less than a year later.

[Joe King]

A minute's silence will be held before England's game with Switzerland on 6 February to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

Eight Manchester United players were among 23 people killed in the crash.

The Football Association were worried the silence would not be respected but a spokesman said on Monday: "We believe very strongly this will be respected.

"There's a feeling across the country that a minute's silence is the best way to remember everybody who died."

FA chief executive Brian Barwick has spoken with his United counterpart David Gill and club secretary Ken Ramsden to ensure the club are happy with the plans.

Bevington added: "The players will be wearing black armbands and there will be film on both giant screens of the Busby Babes.

"There will also be a tribute to the Busby Babes in the match programme.

"This was a tragedy for Manchester United in 1958 but we should also recognise there were England players who were lost while representing English football in European competition."

The game at Wembley against Switzerland will be new coach Fabio Capello's first game in charge of the England team.

Manchester United will mark the anniversary during their match with Manchester City on 10 February where there will be a minute's silence.

United will wear a special replica of their 1958 kit on the day, devoid of the players' names or shirt numbers on the back, while City's kit will incorporate a black ribbon with their sponsor's branding removed.

[andyinswinton]

I think a minutes silence in the right occasion is an awesome thing.

When its properly observed its great but the best thing about it is when the referees whistle blows as the crowd starts to cheer in anticipation for the game to start.

I don't think the applause is as good as the silence. It just stops the dickhead element in a crowd.

[The Glove]

If it isnt ruined by City fans, it will be by Eng er lunds finest.