Old Trafford to host 60th anniversary Munich service

Daniel Storey

Manchester United are to hold a commemorative service at Old Trafford on the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

The club have announced all supporters will be welcome to attend the service on February 6, with season-ticket holders over the age of 65 being sent invitations.

Turnstiles will open at 1.45pm with the event, which will include readings and poems, beginning at 2.45pm. A minute’s silence will be held at 3.04pm, marking the time of the fatal plane crash.

Twenty-three people were killed in the disaster, including eight United players and three club officials. The United party were returning from a European Cup match at Red Star Belgrade.

United will also hold a minute’s silence ahead of the Premier League home game against Huddersfield on February 3.

Fans will be invited to pay their respects from 1.30pm on that day under the Munich plaque at the south-east corner of Old Trafford, where their annual event featuring readings and prayers will be held.

‘Supporters attending the game will receive a commemorative pack containing a limited-edition book telling the story of the disaster, along with a complimentary copy of the matchday programme, United Review, which will include tributes to those affected by the crash,’ the club’s official website says.