Express & Star

Anger as Manchester United fail to wear black armbands for West Brom's Cyrille Regis

Albion fans have been left ‘disgusted’ that Manchester United neglected to wear black armbands for Cyrille Regis at the weekend.

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Manchester United paid tribute during a minute's applause but were not wearing armbands.

The Premier League announced on Friday that all top tier teams would don black armbands in memory of the legendary Albion striker in recognition of his ‘special role as a trailblazer for black players’.

The majority of clubs took part in the tributes but United did not have the armbands on for their 1-0 victory away at Burnley, and it’s enraged Albion fans.

“It’s bloody disgusting, everyone else has got one,” said Debbie Green, who organised a banner for Regis that was unfurled in the away end at Goodison Park on Saturday.

“We did a tribute to George Best, Albion wore armbands. Why couldn’t they do it for our legend?

“I’m shocked because as far as I’m aware, every other team have.”

The club’s oversight is even more startling because United fans sang ‘There’s only one Cyrille Regis’ at Turf Moor.

“Their supporters were brilliant, I have to get that across” said Green. “But I’m baffled why the club didn’t bother.

“I know they did the minute’s applause but I’d love to why they didn’t do the armbands. Man United are supposed to be the big high and mighty. I’m shocked.”

Green was far more impressed with Everton’s response to her request to unfurl a banner in memory of Regis.

“There were even stewards applauding, saying well done ‘West Brom’,” she said. “Everton fans came over and spoke to us about it. I rang up last week and it was sorted in one call, they were brilliant.”

Football clubs and supporters up and down the country paid tribute to Regis at the weekend.

All clubs in the Premier League held a minute’s applause after the league bowed to media pressure on Friday morning and announced a series of tributes.

Celtic held a minute’s applause north of the border ahead of their match with Brechin City. Regis was a mentor and agent to former Albion and current Celtic winger Scott Sinclair.

In the Championship, Wolves and Villa held a minute’s applause and wore black armbands and Villa fans also unfurled a banner to Regis.

John Homer, chairman of the Albion supporters' club said: "It is a bit disrespectful, we need to find out who made a decision.

"It’s disappointing considering the respect we gave them when George Best had passed away. We took part in that fully.

"Before we make any judgement you’ve got to find out who made the decision.

"Give their fans plenty of praise. They were brilliant. But it's disappointing their team didn't wear the armbands."

Manchester United were asked by the Express & Star to explain why they didn’t wear black armbands but are yet to respond.