Fears mount over respect for Munich victims

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) — Manchester United will press ahead with plans to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster with a minute's silence before next month's derby match against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

City's official supporters club have asked for the silence to be replaced with a minute's applause because of fears that a minority of visiting fans may seek to disrupt the commemoration for the 23 people, including eight United players, who died in the crash.

But United spokesman Phil Townsend said the plans would not be changed. "It's a solemn event," he said. "We don't think applause is the best way to commemorate the death of 23 people."

City have already written to the 3,000 supporters who will have tickets for the match on...