Daily Express

Shattered Foxes could play again at Cardiff

Ex-Leicester title victor Mahrez scores in salute to late chairman

- Dave Armitage Gary Chappell

LEICESTER’S shattered players look set to give the thumbs-up to playing at Cardiff on Saturday.

Discussion­s are still ongoing following the helicopter tragedy that killed club owner Vichai Srivaddhan­aprabha and four others.

The billionair­e Thai chairman’s helicopter crashed and burst into flames seconds after taking off from Leicester’s home game with West Ham on Saturday night.

The Foxes’ were due to play an EFL Cup tie with Southampto­n tonight but that was postponed on Sunday night. Many of the Leicester squad have been deeply affected emotionall­y and discussion­s have already RIYAD MAHREZ dedicated his goal to Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhan­aprabha after Manchester City returned to the top of the table with victory over Tottenham.

Mahrez won the Premier League title with Leicester in 2016 and pointed to the sky after scoring in the sixth minute last night, in tribute to Srivaddhan­aprabha, who died in a helicopter crash, alongside four other people, on Saturday night.

Mahrez said: “I have many memories with him, he was taken place on whether they want to go ahead with the fixture at Cardiff. The Welsh club’s chief executive Brian Choo has told Leicester and the Premier League they will go along with whatever is decided.

Premier League officials are in talks with both clubs and an answer is expected tomorrow. A club source said that even though it is an away fixture, Leicester are mindful of playing a game when delicate issues could be happening at the stadium. such a good person and I’m very sad – and that’s why when I scored I put my hands up to the sky for him.

“He did a lot for me and for Leicester. It is difficult for me to speak about it because it’s very sad. He was like a dad for us [at Leicester], he had a big heart – and I was heartbroke­n and shocked to hear this news. I am with Leicester and the families at this sad time.”

Victory for City moves them back above Liverpool on goal difference, with both teams having 26 points.

 ??  ?? MOURNING: The owner’s son, Aiyawatt, and Vardy, centre, and Schmeichel
MOURNING: The owner’s son, Aiyawatt, and Vardy, centre, and Schmeichel
 ??  ?? TOP OF THE PILE: The early goal from Mahrez was enough to return City to the summit
TOP OF THE PILE: The early goal from Mahrez was enough to return City to the summit
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