Ferguson appeals for dignified remembrance of Munich
Sunday, 10 February 2008
MANCHESTER, Feb 9 (AFP): Sir Alex Ferguson has made one final plea to Manchester City supporters to show respect for the Munich victims in Sunday's potentially volatile Manchester derby meeting at Old Trafford.
Months of deliberation and discussions have taken place between the rival clubs about how best to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster, which claimed 23 lives, including those of eight United players from the 'Busby Babes' squad.
United officials have decided to hold a minute's silence before kick-off in memory of the dead, amid fears that a minority of City's 3,000 fans in attendance could ruin the gesture.
"I don't think there will be any problem with our fans," said the United manager.
"I am just hoping City fans listen to their own club and make it a game for us all to remember. That's very, very important.
The eagerly-anticipated meeting with City comes at the end of an emotionally charged week for United which saw a high-profile Munich memorial event staged at Old Trafford on Wednesday, exactly 50 years after the crash.
Months of deliberation and discussions have taken place between the rival clubs about how best to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster, which claimed 23 lives, including those of eight United players from the 'Busby Babes' squad.
United officials have decided to hold a minute's silence before kick-off in memory of the dead, amid fears that a minority of City's 3,000 fans in attendance could ruin the gesture.
"I don't think there will be any problem with our fans," said the United manager.
"I am just hoping City fans listen to their own club and make it a game for us all to remember. That's very, very important.
The eagerly-anticipated meeting with City comes at the end of an emotionally charged week for United which saw a high-profile Munich memorial event staged at Old Trafford on Wednesday, exactly 50 years after the crash.