Cyrille Regis tributes planned for Premier League and EFL fixtures
Friday 19 January 2018 19:26, UK
Premier League and EFL clubs will pay tribute to Cyrille Regis in this weekend's fixtures.
The former West Brom and Coventry forward died suddenly at the age of 59 on Sunday.
As of Thursday evening, only Everton were scheduled to hold a minute's applause before their game against West Brom, but all Premier League fixtures will now pay tribute to Regis this weekend.
The Premier League said on Friday it recognised Regis' career and "his special role as a trailblazer for black players in modern English football".
A statement continued: "Clubs will mark his contribution with a minute of applause and the wearing of black armbands at this weekend's matches.
"The League embraces requests from clubs and stakeholders to celebrate the lives of people who have made a unique contribution to the sport."
The EFL also issued a statement, giving clubs the choice on any tributes for Regis before this weekend's matches.
The statement read: "The EFL understands the strength of feeling throughout football for the impact Cyrille Regis made as a player and as a campaigner for black players in the game.
"The EFL has communicated to all 72 clubs, and while the EFL is placing no obligation on its clubs to organise a tribute, we are offering our full support for any proposed marks of respect they would like to make ahead of this weekend's fixtures.
"We will always support the recognition of players who have left a lasting legacy on our game."
Celtic will also hold a minute's applause before this Saturday's Scottish Cup tie against Brechin City as a tribute to Regis.
The former West Brom striker was also Scott Sinclair's agent, and speaking exclusively to the Celtic View, the Hoops winger paid tribute to him, describing him as a mentor and friend.
He said: "He was a massive influence. He was my agent ever since I was 16, when I signed for Chelsea. He was there every step of the way with me.
"When I was a young player, he gave me good advice about all the things he had been through, and he has passed that on to me and all the other players he looked after.
"He was still in contact with me and I met him before Christmas. He came up and watched the second last game before the winter break and we met at the hotel and had a general chat.
"It was devastating news and so sad to hear, especially when you have known someone so long and are close to them and, in particular, it's a really sad time for his family."
