It was an occasion that was a mixture of sadness, celebration and commemoration for the man whose vision inspired Leicester’s unlikely Premier League title win in 2015-16. The Foxes and supporters of both sides delivered a fitting tribute to his memory and the four others who died after the game with West Ham United two weeks ago.
Leicester City’s emotional return to the King Power Stadium for the first time since the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash outside the stadium ended in a draw with Burnley.
Supporters, led by squad members such as Harry Maguire and James Maddison, led a tribute march from the city centre to the stadium while the pitch was framed by hundreds of Leicester City shirts, flags and banners. There was also a two-minute silence before kick-off with Vichai’s son Aiyawa in attendance, with wreaths laid for both his father and the forthcoming Remembrance Sunday.
It was no surprise that Leicester started brightly then faded after the emotional and physical exertions of the past two weeks, which included a 12,000-mile round trip to pay their respects at the former owner’s funeral in Bangkok.
Leicester had the best of the first half, with Jamie Vardy‘s shot cleared off the line by Matt Lowtion, Rachid Ghezzak heading against the bar and Joe Hart saving at the feet of Demarai Gray.
Burnley grew into the game and will be satisfied with a point, although Chris Wood should have done better than lift a second-half chance over the top.
On this day, for once, the result was arguably secondary to the occasion – this was a day to remember the Thai businessman whose ambition and investment allowed Leicester City and their fans to live the dream.
Source: BBC News
