carlyluvsunited
23-01-2008, 08:47 AM
United hold firm on minute's silence for Munich
David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, has rejected calls from
concerned Manchester City supporters to abandon a proposed minute's silence,
in favour of a minute's applause, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air
disaster prior to the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Feb 10.
United were contacted last week by the Official Manchester City Supporters Club
expressing their fears that an element of the club's 3,000 travelling contingent
could ruin the planned tribute to those killed at Munich.
The bad feeling towards United's plans among City supporters is emphasised by
numerous postings on internet fans' forums, with comments such as: "one
minute of silence, 90 minutes of abuse."
Despite the threat of disruption, Gill insists United will go ahead with the tribute
because they believe a minute's applause would be the wrong gesture. "We
believe this is a tragedy and, though we understand the modern move to
applause, like we did for George Best, it is not appropriate," Gill said.
"We believe that all supporters - including the 3,000 City fans - will respect that
and act appropriately."
United's stance has received the backing of the club's supporters. Mark Longden,
of the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association, said: "I haven't
spoken to a single United fan who believes applause is appropriate.
"I feel sorry for the majority of City fans who want to show their respect, but it
takes only one idiot to ruin it. I urge people to respect the silence."
City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and club captain Richard Dunne have already
co-signed a letter to those fans travelling to Old Trafford to try to appeal for
United's plans to be respected.
Gill, meanwhile, has spoken for the first time about the paint attack on his home
last Friday by fans opposed to the Glazer family's ownership of United.
The Manchester offices of AIG, the club's main sponsors, were victims of a similar
attack yesterday.
Gill said: "It's the first time I've been affected in this way, but there will always be
people who are opposed to the takeover."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not be charged by the Football Association
for alleged gestures made following Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal in the 2-0
victory at Reading on Saturday. www.telegraph.co.uk
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php
David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, has rejected calls from
concerned Manchester City supporters to abandon a proposed minute's silence,
in favour of a minute's applause, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air
disaster prior to the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Feb 10.
United were contacted last week by the Official Manchester City Supporters Club
expressing their fears that an element of the club's 3,000 travelling contingent
could ruin the planned tribute to those killed at Munich.
The bad feeling towards United's plans among City supporters is emphasised by
numerous postings on internet fans' forums, with comments such as: "one
minute of silence, 90 minutes of abuse."
Despite the threat of disruption, Gill insists United will go ahead with the tribute
because they believe a minute's applause would be the wrong gesture. "We
believe this is a tragedy and, though we understand the modern move to
applause, like we did for George Best, it is not appropriate," Gill said.
"We believe that all supporters - including the 3,000 City fans - will respect that
and act appropriately."
United's stance has received the backing of the club's supporters. Mark Longden,
of the Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association, said: "I haven't
spoken to a single United fan who believes applause is appropriate.
"I feel sorry for the majority of City fans who want to show their respect, but it
takes only one idiot to ruin it. I urge people to respect the silence."
City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and club captain Richard Dunne have already
co-signed a letter to those fans travelling to Old Trafford to try to appeal for
United's plans to be respected.
Gill, meanwhile, has spoken for the first time about the paint attack on his home
last Friday by fans opposed to the Glazer family's ownership of United.
The Manchester offices of AIG, the club's main sponsors, were victims of a similar
attack yesterday.
Gill said: "It's the first time I've been affected in this way, but there will always be
people who are opposed to the takeover."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not be charged by the Football Association
for alleged gestures made following Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal in the 2-0
victory at Reading on Saturday. www.telegraph.co.uk
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php