David Beckham led the tributes on social media as Manchester United marked the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.
Eight first-team players and three long-serving members of staff were among those to die as United made their way back from a European Cup match at Red Star Belgrade on February 6, 1958.
We will never forget. #FlowersOfManchester pic.twitter.com/YAC0Lmqq2W
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 6, 2018
Eight journalists, the co-pilot, cabin steward, travel agent and a United supporter were also killed in the crash that only 21 people survived.
Tuesday’s emotional Old Trafford memorial was attended by the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and more than 4,500 supporters.
Plenty of former United players also paid their respects on social media, including ex-England captain Beckham who posted: “We Never Forget.”
A very moving service at Old Trafford today. We will never forget them. They are an inspiration. #BusbyBabes #FlowersOfManchester ? pic.twitter.com/x8Cnhjl5zh
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) February 6, 2018
Young went on to post on Twitter: “The Munich Air Disaster is something I was always aware of growing up but in truth I didn’t understand its influence on @ManUtd until I joined the club.
Today we remember and mourn but we must also take inspiration from the response to the tragedy and people like Sir Bobby Charlton. It’s a privilege for all of us to still have him around and active at Manchester United.
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) February 6, 2018
“You still sing about Sir Matt Busby and about playing football “the Busby way”. We have a duty to keep that spirit alive and keep making you proud to support this team.”
Never forget #BusbyBabes @mufc pic.twitter.com/SpSn6KbvdS
— Ronny Johnsen (@JRonnyJohnsen) February 6, 2018
Two of the club’s former defenders, Ronny Johnsen and Gary Neville, also reflected on the tragedy, with the latter posting a video of Tracey Malone singing ‘The Flowers of Manchester’.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 6, 2018
United’s fierce rivals Manchester City and Liverpool also posted moving messages on Twitter as club loyalties were cast aside.
? #ACityUnited ? pic.twitter.com/tncO7guCfq
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 6, 2018
City simply said “#ACityUnited” while Liverpool’s account read: “Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the Munich air disaster. 60 years ago today, but never forgotten. #FlowersOfManchester.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association posted: “Today, on the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, we remember those that tragically lost their lives.
“They will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with those affected by the disaster. #FlowersofManchester.”
