UNITED have rejected a plea from City fans to scrap the minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the Munich tragedy at next month’s derby.

Blues supporters have written to the Old Trafford hierarchy pleading with them to scrap the idea of a minute’s silence at next month’s derby that will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Muncih tragedy.

The Official City Supporters’ Club, which has around 6,000 members, fear that the silence will not be observed and have urged instead for a minute’s applause to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster.

Only last week it was decided that there would not be a silence at the England versus Switzerland international on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy because of fears it would be broken.

General Secretary of the OCS Kevin Parker sent an e-mail to the Reds, but United spokesman Phil Townsend said: “We don’t think it is appropriate to be applauding a disaster that killed 23 people. We thought long and hard about it and consulted a lot of people before we decided that a minute’s silence is the most appropriate thing to do on this occasion.

“We appreciate City fans writing to us and expressing their concern but applause does not sit right with us.”

The body has kept in close contact with the Blues over arrangements for what will be a sensitive occasion at Old Trafford. City have already agreed to remove branding from their kit and issued a letter to all fans with a match ticket from boss Sven-Goran Eriksson and skipper Richard Dunne asking that they respect the occasion and reminding them that Blues legend Frank Swift was among those who died.

Parker’s email detailed Blues fans’ arguments against the silence and for the applause that they feel will be more appropriate.

“Manchester City have liaised with me and other supporters groups over the arrangements for the 10th February and we are more than happy with the way things are progressing,” he noted.

Plans

“We do however have a concern over the plans to have a minute’s silence before the game.

“Unfortunately whilst this may be the historically traditional way to remember occasions of this nature it has also become evident that some supporters use this to show a complete lack of respect.

“It is similar to the way a small section of supporters also show a lack of respect for the national anthems at internationals.

“Indeed since the sad death of George Best true football supporters have had the opportunity to show their respect by a minute’s applause.

“Unfortunately, on the day George Best died when a minute’s silence was held at The City of Manchester City Stadium this was rudely and unacceptably interrupted by Liverpool supporters who City were playing on the day.

“I for one felt aggrieved at the fact that many, many City fans did not have the opportunity to show their respect for a true legend of world football.

“I was, therefore, delighted to hear that at other grounds (Including Upton Park where Manchester United were playing West Ham) they changed from the minute's silence to a minute’s applause. To my knowledge this method of respect has been used ever since including for Phil O’Donnell who sadly died recently whilst playing for Motherwell.

“On behalf of the OSC wWe plead with Manchester United to therefore change from the proposed minute’s silence to a minutes applause to allow all true football fans to show their respects. In this way any idiot who does not share these views will be drowned out rather than be highlighted.

“If there is a minute's silence, some fool will interrupt it and this will reflect very badly not only on Manchester City but on Manchester and football supporters in general.

“We ask that you put our request to the Directors at Manchester United and look forward to receiving your positive response“

It is understood that United did consider the possibility of a minute’s applause but rejected the idea after talks with some of the Munich survivors.

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