REGIS VICTORY
League finally agree to honour Cyrille with a minute’s applause
THE Premier League reached a late decision yesterday to honour Cyrille Regis at each top-flight game this weekend. There had been no plans to honour the West Bromwich legend, but the Premier League changed their stance after
Sportsmail highlighted the widespread disbelief of fans.
Authorities came under pressure from the public, while it is understood the PFA’s Gordon Taylor made direct representations to the Premier League, and executive chairman Richard Scudamore responded positively.
Each stadium hosting a Premier League fixture will now hold a minute’s applause in tribute to Regis, with players wearing black armbands.
A statement released yesterday read: ‘ The Premier League recognises the important career of Cyrille Regis, and his special role as a trailblazer for black players in modern English football.
‘Clubs will mark his contribution with a minute of applause and the wearing of black armbands at this weekend’s matches.
‘The League embraces requests from clubs and stakeholders to celebrate the lives of people who have made a unique contribution to the sport.’
Regis’s widow Julia thanked the Premier League for the new approach.
She said: ‘ We are overwhelmed by the love and support we have received following the loss of Cyrille. It has been hugely comforting for all of the family.
‘ Every message has been important to us and this gesture from the Premier League is deeply moving and appreciated. We were always so proud of Cyrille and it is comforting to know that the wider game and public feel the same way.’
The previous absence of a unified commemoration led from the top had caused surprise in football circles, given Regis is universally credited as a pioneer for black players in the fight against racism.
His sudden death from a heart attack at the age of 59 prompted an outpouring of emotion.
Viv Anderson, England’s first black player, had told of his ‘disappointment’ a nationwide tribute had not been organised. Last night, the European Cup winner praised the Premier League’s change of mind.
‘That is great news,’ he said. ‘The power of the people has spoken. Cyrille was a perfect role model and fantastic for football.
‘I am most pleased for Cyrille’s family, who are going through such a tough time. It will be lovely seeing the recognition for what he achieved.’
Gareth Southgate will be among those standing to applaud Regis’s memory when he attends Everton’s match against West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park, on what is sure to be an emotionally charged afternoon for the visiting club.
The FA will also honour Regis, probably before the friendly against Italy at Wembley in March. The governing body hope to speak to Regis’s family to gauge their feelings, but it is expected they will be special guests.
An FA spokesperson said: ‘ The FA plan to pay tribute to Cyrille Regis and acknowledge his tremendous contribution to English football during the March international window. We will confirm details soon.’
Flags were flown at half-mast at St George’s Park on Monday.
The EFL have resisted calls to introduce a directive but Regis’s former clubs Coventry, Aston Villa and Wolves will all hold a minute’s applause at their games today, with players wearing black armbands.
THERE MUST BE A REGIS TRIBUTE Sportsmail yesterday