Scholes urges City fans to show respect

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes fears a “minority” of Manchester City fans may spoil the minute’s silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster – but urged Blues fans to remember one of their own was also killed in the crash.

Tomorrow’s derby clash at Old Trafford is United’s first game since the anniversary of the tragedy on Wednesday, and a minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off. Eight United players lost their lives as a result of the crash, with 23 people killed in all.

Former City goalkeeper Frank Swift, who by the time of the crash was working as a journalist for the News of the World, was among the dead and Scholes hopes any City fans tempted to break the silence will recognise that the tragedy also touched the blue half of Manchester.

“I think the only thing you have to worry about is the minority of City fans who might want to cause trouble,” the 33-year-old said.

“They lost someone in the accident as well, so I hope their fans are not disrespectful. There is always that few who might cause problems. They have referred to the accident a few times in the past and I just hope they can come to their senses on the day.

“It would reflect badly on their club, but that’s not stopped them in the past, has it?”