Manchester United fans will pay their respects at Old Trafford today to mark the 56th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, where the legendary Busby Babes were torn apart by tragedy.
Eight players and three United staff members were among the 23 killed in the disaster, after the plane they were travelling on crashed during take-off.
United Supporters will gather and lay flowers under the Munich Plaque at Old Trafford at 3:00pm today to remember those who lost their lives.
Sean Bones, a spokesperson for the Manchester United Supporters Trust, said: “Today on the 56th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster all Manchester United supporters around the world will take a quiet moment at 15:04 GMT to remember the players and officials who lost their lives on that sad day in Munich in 1958.
“As supporters we also take this time to pay our respects to their families who have had to bear the loss through the years of their loved ones.”
The catastrophe sent shockwaves round the world in 1958, but was used as a catalyst to rebuild the club and remains woven into the club’s fabric to this day.
Many claim United’s ‘never say die’ attitude was born out of the adversity they faced trying to re-build the club following the tragedy
Speaking on the Manchester United’s website, Sir Alex Ferguson praised Sir Matt Busby for the ethos that he brought to the club, which still exist today.
He said: “What we see at United today has its foundations back in that era – in particular, the way it was done with young players.
“And that’s really the saddest part of all; that these young men lost their lives almost before they’d started to really enjoy their football: Duncan Edwards, Eddie Colman, David Pegg, just young lads at the start of their careers; such a terrible tragedy.
“I was lucky enough to see Duncan play for England U23s against Scotland – he scored a hat-trick. I trust Bobby Charlton’s opinion without question, and when he says Duncan, at just 21, was the best he ever played with, that tells you everything.”
Tributes have also been flooding through on Twitter, with fans around the world paying their respects.
Laukik Sawant said: “6th Feb1958! A broken team, a broken heart, a broken dream, no word said!! Always remembeRED!! #BusbyBabes #MUFC #GGMU”
Eoghan Harkin said: “6th Feb 1958, one of the greatest ever United sides torn apart by tragedy, scary to think what they’dhave achieved #RIP #BusbyBabes”
The Busby Babes will also be commemorated before United’s game against Fulham on Sunday at 3pm.
Picture courtesy of PeeJay2K3 with thanks.
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