Disbelief as no nationwide tribute is planned for Regis
Calls for minute’s applause at ALL games
TheRe was widespread disbelief last night that football’s governing bodies are not planning a nationwide tribute to Cyrille Regis this weekend.
Regis’s death this week prompted an outpouring of emotion but the Premier League and Football League are leaving it to clubs to decide on any commemorations.
West Bromwich Albion’s game at everton will be preceded by a minute’s applause and both teams will wear black armbands, while there will be similar marks of respect in matches featuring Aston Villa, Coventry and Wolves.
But the absence of a unified tribute led from the top has caused surprise in football circles, given that Regis is universally credited as a pioneer for black players in the fight against racism.
Brian Deane and Dion Dublin were among those to shed tears when speaking about Regis this week, while a number of current players, including Newcastle’s Ciaran Clark and Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, posted messages of affection and gratitude online.
Gareth Bale also thanked Regis, who was working as an agent up until his death from a heart attack at the age of 59.
Viv Anderson, england’s first black international, told Sportsmail: ‘I would personally like to see Cyrille receive a nationwide tribute because of the ground-breaking impact he had on the game.
‘his life and career should be properly recognised. I am a bit disappointed that won’t be the case. It seems small-minded. Cyrille led the way for many black players and he was taken so suddenly.’
The Premier League and Football League both support however clubs wish to pay respects but do not wish to impose a directive. The Premier League have embraced all requests to commemorate Regis ahead of West Brom’s match at everton and West Brom’s chief executive Martin Goodman thanked everton for co-operating.
‘We are very appreciative of this warm and respectful gesture from everton,’ he said. ‘This has been a tremendously difficult week for everyone, but this is a reminder that Cyrille’s impact spread far beyond the boundaries of The hawthorns.
‘I know our fans will be very grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to him.’