Leicester to face Cardiff after Vichai’s tragic death

LEICESTER have confirmed their Premier League clash at Cardiff will go ahead on Saturday following the tragic death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

Thai billionaire Vichai was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed outside Leicester’s King Power Stadium following Saturday’s match against West Ham.

With mourners flocking to the stadium and the crash site cordoned off as investigators picked through the wreckage, Leicester had already postponed yesterday’s scheduled home Carabao Cup tie against Southampton.

But the club announced yesterday that they will make the trip to south Wales to face Cardiff this weekend.

A minute’s silence will be observed before kickoff at the Cardiff City Stadium and players will wear black armbands in Vichai’s honour.

“Leicester City’s Premier League fixture at Cardiff City this Saturday will go ahead as scheduled, as the club continues its tributes to its late chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha,” a statement read.

“An announcement on the rearrangement of the club’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Southampton, postponed earlier this week, will be made in due course.”

Cardiff City’s Malaysian owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan said: “It is hard to find words at this time to express how deeply shocked and saddened I am by Saturday’s tragedy.

“My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and the families of all those who lost their lives.

“Such tragedies put the game of football into perspective. But it is our common bond that will now unite the football family in a time of such grief and adversity. We will all stand in support alongside our brothers and sisters in Leicester.”

Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo was respectful of Leicester’s wish to return to action seven days after the horrific accident.

“Following Saturday evening’s terrible events at King Power Stadium, the thoughts and feelings of Leicester City FC are at the forefront of our minds,” Choo said.

“As such, we will be offering our support to Leicester City in any way necessary in respect of this weekend’s fixture.”

The 60-year-old Vichai was widely admired in Leicester for his charitable donations to the local community.

That warmth was reflected in the outpouring of grief following the news of his death.

Vichai’s son Aiyawatt and widow Aimon walked through a sea of tributes from fans outside the stadium on Tuesday, including flowers, football scarves and Buddhist statues.

Vichai’s son is chief executive of his father’s duty-free empire King Power and also vice-chairman of Leicester.

Aiyawatt was joined by the Leicester team, including striker Jamie Vardy, centreback Harry Maguire and keeper Kasper Schmeichel, with the group pausing in reflection in front of the flowers.

Leicester have also opened a book of condolence in memory of Vichai in a marquee at the stadium, while the City Hall and County Hall will light up in blue this week to honour Vichai. – AFP