Premier League clubs and fans will hold a minute’s applause at this weekend’s matches in tribute to Cyrille Regis, who died this week aged 59.
The former West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City and Aston Villa striker is regarded as a trailblazer for black players in modern football. As one of West Brom’s legendary “Three Degrees”, alongside Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson, Regis is credited for inspiring young black footballers and was a role model and hero for many current and ex-professionals.
Regis became of the “great symbols” in the fight against racism in football during the 1970s and 1980s. After retiring in 1996, he was awarded an MBE in 2008 for his services to charity and to the sport.
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Scoring 112 goals in 302 matches for West Brom, the Midlands club called Regis “one of their greatest players” in an obituary published on Monday.
West Brom chairman John Williams said: “We know Cyrille’s passing will be felt deeply among all our supporters for whom he was the ultimate hero - a wonderful, exciting centre-forward who remained in close contact with the club beyond his playing days.
“Everyone will have their precious memories of him as a family man, as a crusader against bigotry - which can never be emphasised enough - and as a man who threw considerable energy into a series of worthy causes.
“But for me, I will never forget Cyrille the footballer - a wonderful, wonderful player who had everything and who defenders of the time would have hated facing. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Cyrille.”
The Premier League announced today that players will wear black armbands and clubs and fans will hold a minute’s applause around the grounds ahead of kick-off at this week’s matches. Many English Football League clubs will also be organising tributes.
Richard Scudamore, the Premier League executive chairman, said: “Cyrille Regis was a fantastic footballer and the way he conducted himself on the pitch, and in his post-playing career as a campaigner and role model, had a hugely positive impact on English football. Everyone involved in the game owes him a debt of gratitude.”
West Brom are planning their own tribute to club legend Regis when they host Southampton at The Hawthorns on 3 February. The BBC also reports that a statue of West Brom’s “Three Degrees” icons is in its final stages and expected to be finished in April.
