FSF back Thatcher stance

Clubs will be left to decide whether they hold a minute's silence for Baroness Thatcher
13 April 2013

The Football Supporters' Federation supports the decision not to have a universal minute's silence for the late Baroness Thatcher during this weekend's fixtures.

The Premier League and Football League have not asked clubs to formally mark the former Prime Minister's passing, and the FA Cup semi-final between Millwall and Wigan is also due to go ahead without a silence. Individual clubs can decide to make their own gesture, but FSF is behind the decision not to issue a central edict.

"The FSF backs the decision made by the football authorities not to impose a minute's silence across all fixtures this weekend to mark the death of Margaret Thatcher," read the statement. "Should individual clubs wish to hold a minute's silence or commemorate the passing of Margaret Thatcher in their own manner that is a matter for them."

Reading, whose chairman Sir John Madejski has backed a gesture for Thatcher before matches, will be observing a minute's silence before their game against Liverpool on Saturday.

But instead of being for the former Tory leader, it will be a mark of remembrance for the 96 fans who died at the Hillsborough disaster. The 24th anniversary of the tragedy is on April 15.

Hillsborough also featured in the FSF statement, which added: "We would expect that most fans' thoughts this weekend will turn to the friends and families of those 96 fellow supporters who lost their lives at Hillsborough 24 years ago."

A statement on the Royals' website confirmed: "Supporters of Reading Football Club and Liverpool Football Club will hold a minute's silence before Saturday's fixture at Madejski Stadium as a mark of respect for the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

"With the game falling two days before the 24th anniversary of the tragedy, plans began last week for a fitting tribute to the 96 supporters who lost their lives. The Royals contacted Liverpool FC; spoke to the Premier League and they of course agreed it was absolutely correct to pay respect on such an occasion."

Madejski had earlier heralded Thatcher's achievements and spoke in favour of making a gesture on behalf of the football world.

"We have got to appreciate that Margaret Thatcher was a world leader who did so much for this country. So much that she deserves a minute's silence," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

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