Cyrille Regis to be honoured with black armbands this weekend after death aged 59
Premier League and EFL cave in to criticism for failing to organise large-scale remembrance and now a nationwide tribute will be made to one of the icons of a generation
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FOOTBALL great Cyrille Regis WILL be honoured in a country-wide tribute across football this weekend.
All Premier League clubs will wear black armbands and hold a minute’s applause before matches after widespread anger that no national recognition of Regis’ contribution to the game in this country had been planned.
Regis died on Monday aged 59 after suffering a heart attack, news that shocked football fans and ex-players across the country.
The former England international was regarded as a pioneer for helping to break down racial barriers that had dogged the country in the 1970s and 1980s.
Ex-West Brom, Coventry, Aston Villa and Wolves striker Regis defied bigotry on the terraces to establish himself as one of the iconic players of his generation.
And in doing so he became an inspiration to the young black players who followed him forging a career in the professional game in England.
But those close to the player had been left outraged that the Premier League and EFL had not taken steps to remember Regis this weekend.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor got in touch with Premier League boss Richard Scudamore to ask why nothing had been organised.
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The Premier League had been planning to let individual clubs decide for themselves - but they have have now announced all 20 will take part.
A statement 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.
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“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.”
An EFL statement said: “The EFL understands the strength of feeling throughout football for the impact Cyrille Regis made as a player and as a campaigner for black players in the game.
“The EFL would like to reiterate the respect and gratitude that has been shown by the football family and the wider sporting world for the contribution he has made.
“The EFL has communicated to all 72 Clubs, and while the EFL is placing no obligation on its Clubs to organise a tribute, we are offering our full support for any proposed marks of respect they would like to make ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
“We will always support the recognition of players who have left a lasting legacy on our game.”