Floral tributes were laid outside Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground as a mark of respect to those who died in the Munich air crash.
Yesterday marked the 55th anniversary of the disaster which killed 23 people – including eight United players and three club officials.
The players, part of the famed Busby Babes squad, were killed when their plane crashed in thick snow at Munich airport on February 6, 1958.
The accident took place while the Reds were returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade.
Fans and staff yesterday gathered at the memorial outside the club’s ground to remember those who died.
Flowers were laid with one fan, Terry Chapman, leaving a football with the names of all the United players who died inscribed on it.
Staff at the club were also given time off from their work to pay respects.
The families of those who died will be present at United’s match with Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, where there will be a minute’s silence and the players will wear black armbands.
Neighbours Manchester City, whose former goalkeeper Frank Swift was also killed in the accident, also paid tribute to the fallen.
The club tweeted: “Today we stand together and remember City goalkeeper Frank Swift and all the victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster, never forgotten.”
Another of United’s rivals – Liverpool – also tweeted: “The thoughts of all at #LFC are with families of the victims of 1958 Munich air disaster. Some things are more important than football.”
Earlier in the day, United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of the impact the disaster had on his life as a 16-year-old before he was connected to the club.
He said: “I’ve been affected by it since I was a young boy.
“For many people it is long forgotten but for someone like me, who remembers the day, you won’t forget it.”
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