It would probably be an understatement to say there are mixed opinions about the right way to mark the passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. A vocal percentage of Liverpool supporters figure it’s a cause for celebration, though the BBC reports a pair of Premier League chairman would like to see soccer pay homage in a more formal fashion.
“It is not my decision, it is for the FA to decide, but I would be in favour of wearing an armband out of respect to Mrs Thatcher,” Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan said. “We have to say thank you very much for the services the former PM has given us.”
And Reading chairman Madejski told BBC Radio 5 live: “We have got to appreciate that Margaret Thatcher was a world leader who did so much for this country. So much that she deserves a minute’s silence.
“The funeral’s going to take place at St Paul’s attended by the Queen and Prince Philip so I think it would be a fitting tribute from the world of football to Margaret Thatcher, one of our greatest leaders.”
However Reading later said they were already planning to hold a minute’s silence before Saturday’s home fixture against Liverpool – to mark the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
A club spokesman said: “With the game falling two days before the 24th anniversary of the tragedy, plans began last week for a fitting tribute to the 96 supporters who lost their lives. The Royals contacted Liverpool FC and spoke to the Premier League earlier today and they of course agreed it was absolutely correct to pay respect on such an occasion.”