This past weekend saw Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata paying a powerful and poignant tribute to the victims of the Munich Air Disaster. Tomorrow will mark the 60th anniversary of the tragic event that claimed the lives of 23 people on their way home from United’s European Cup quarterfinal win over Red Star Belgrade.
The team plane crashed after a failed takeoff attempt in the snow, taking the lives of eight players and eight journalists. On Friday, United manager Jose Mourinho held his weekly press conference, and the session opened with a reporter pointing out the Munich Air Disaster memorial pin that Mourinho was wearing.
That led to Mourinho give some very important commentary and emotion stirring remarks on what happened six decades ago, a tragedy that touches people all across the football world, not just at Manchester United. Prior to kick-off of Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Huddersfield Town, a minute of silence was observed at Old Trafford. Additionally, a memorial service will take place at the stadium tomorrow.
The Munich Air Disaster us synonymous with the Busby Babes and Juan Mata gave homage.
“The day that is absolutely shown in red on this week’s calendar is on Tuesday, a day that marks the 60th anniversary of the air disaster,” said the Spanish midfielder, who is generally regarded to be one of United’s foremost nicest guys off the pitch.
“The victims will never be forgotten, they will always be remembered and will be a part of United’s history for ever.”
“The ‘Flowers of Manchester’ will always be with us.”
Juan Mata added the following the regarding the Munich Air Disaster minute of silence on Saturday:
“The minute of silence before our game was simply spectacular. It is because of this kind of thing that this club is so special.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune corporation blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.