Sven makes plea to City fans

MANCHESTER City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has told fans “it doesn’t matter whether you wear blue or red” when it comes to honouring a minute’s silence for the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster.

Tomorrow’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford forms a key part of Manchester United’s memorial plans and, in addition to the pre-match silence, both teams will mark the occasion by wearing traditional, unsponsored jerseys.

It had been suggested that, in a bid to negate any potential hecklers, a minute’s applause would be a more prudent approach, but United insist that would be inappropriate and have instead asked the City supporters to respect the moment.

We hope fans use common sense,” said the Swede. “It doesn’t matter if you are wearing a blue or a red shirt. We have to respect those who were doing the same job as we are doing today.”

Meanwhile new Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari has revealed he did not want to leave Portsmouth and was “shocked” to be sold in the January transfer window. The Zimbabwe forward had scored 12 goals in the league but was sold to City on deadline day to fund a move for Jermain Defoe.

“I was very happy at Pompey and I was beginning to produce the goals,’’ Benjani said.

“I was shocked when told I was going to be sold.’’

Micah Richards yesterday signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club.