One minute’s silence at Selhurst Park. Pic: Eason Wang
Crystal Palace Football Club have held a minute’s silence before their first home game since the Croydon tram crash against Manchester City on Saturday.
The accident killed seven and left over 50 injured. Two Crystal Palace fans were among the seven victims: 19-year-old Dane Chinnery and Philip Seary, 57, both from New Addington.
Philip Seary & Dane Chinnery. Pic: Family handout
Before the game started at Selhurst Park, players and supporters of both Crystal Palace and Manchester City observed a one minute’s silence to pay their respects
GALLERY: Palace 1-2 City – https://t.co/ChwyFNOCju #CRYMCI pic.twitter.com/SgMNYWMaas
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) November 19, 2016
Fans at the ground also united in a further tribute to Chinnery and Seary by spontaneously applauding in the 19th and 57th minute.
The club statement on Crystal Palace’s official website said that “this was a terrible event in the heart of Croydon and we stand with the community at this difficult time.”
Earlier in the week, players and management made a donation to the JustGiving page set up by Croydon Council to help the victims, families and communities affected by the accident. Over £22,000 has been raised by the public so far.
Manager Alan Pardew, speaking at the pre-match press conference, said: “It has had a massive impact on us, not just the club but the areas around it. Shocking really. We will do everything we can for the families that will be at the game on Saturday.”
Our community stands together. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/39P8CGi2j9
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) November 19, 2016
After Man City’s Yaya Toure opened the scoring the first half, Palace’s Connor Wickham smashed home an equaliser on the hour mark. However, a late second goal from Toure denied the Eagles a hard-earned draw, as they eventually lost the match 2-1. They now sit 16th in the Premier League table.
