Schmeichel still reeling from crash horror

KASPER Schmeichel fears he will never be able to wipe out the memory of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

The Thai businessman and four others died just outside the King Power Stadium on October 27, moments after the Leicester owner’s helicopter had taken off from the pitch.

Leicester goalkeeper Schmeichel, who was part of a delegation from the club who arrived in Bangkok on Sunday to pay their respects to Vichai, witnessed the accident following the Premier League game with West Ham.

“I was on the pitch and I waved him off,” Schmeichel said.

“I saw it all happen. It is something that will stay with me, unfortunately.

“It’s not a nice memory but I’ve had all the support that I need.

“The club has been great and everybody has received the support that they needed.”

Schmeichel joined Leicester in 2011, the summer after Vichai had bought the club.

Schmeichel said he was “shaking” in the warm-up before their 1-0 win over Cardiff and he was clearly emotional as the Leicester playing squad and staff stood around the centre circle before kick-off to observe a minute’s silence.

“It was tough,” Schmeichel said. “But we wanted to do it for the chairman and his family.”