FA Backtrack Over Minute's Silence

There has been a lot of fuss surrounding the 50th Anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, with it emerging some fans will find it too much of a temptation to sing sick songs during a moment of silent time for reflection. A couple of weeks ago, the FA announced that there would not be a minute’s silence held before England’s friendly against Switzerland on February 6th, for fear England fans couldn’t be trusted to respect the occasion.

However, Adrian Bevington, the FA director of communications, has today revealed that the silence will take place, along with the black armbands the players were set to wear, as well as pictures of the Babes being displayed. “We will be having a minute’s silence in respect of Munich at the England v Switzerland game,” he said. “We believe very strongly that this should be and will be respected and that there’s a feeling across the whole country that a minute’s silence is the best and most appropriate way to remember everybody who lost their lives in the tragedy. 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.”

Do you think a minute’s silence should held ahead of England’s match on February 6th?