Express & Star comment: Fitting farewell to true hero Cyrille Regis
The send off for Cyrille Regis was an emotional and moving affair.
His memorial service at The Hawthorns saw a crowd of 2,000 fans break into spontaneous applause, while chants of 'There’s only one Cyrille Regis' – the song that followed him around England’s football terraces for decades – filled the air.
It served as a celebration of the life of this giant of a man, who blazed a trail for generations of black footballers.
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Many of them, including Mark Bright, Les Ferdinand, Andrew Cole, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright, Mark Walters, Dion Dublin, Paul Ince and Viv Anderson, were there to see him off.
The importance of the role Regis played in changing attitudes towards black players cannot be overstated. He is thoroughly deserving of his status as a legend.
And while he was an exceptionally gifted player, his passion, generosity and determination continued into his retirement.
Regis will be greatly missed. He is loved and respected by supporters of all teams.
Farewell to a true hero.
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