Sutcliffe pleads with fans to respect Wembley silence

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Sutcliffe, a Manchester United supporter, said he understood football rivalries but urged people to unite for a minute to remember the disaster which killed 23 people, including eight United players.

Sir Alex Ferguson today voiced his concerns anti-United sentiment within the Wembley crowd may surface during the minute-long tribute ahead of kick-off. Sunday's match between United and Manchester City will provide another test of all fans' ability to pay their respects.

Sutcliffe said: "I know there is football rivalry and I know there will be the odd person who sees the allegedly funny side of things. I plead with them that we can all unite for one minute on Sunday (for the Manchester derby) and Wednesday. I think it is vital for both teams involved. It's important to all of the sports community and all of the country as well."

Ferguson admitted he fears the worst at Wembley and that the tribute at Old Trafford could be similarly ruined.

The United manager said: "There could be a mixed reaction. You never know because England fans are a mixture of supporters from all different clubs. I just hope it goes well because, if it weren't to, it could give encouragement to City fans to misbehave themselves at the derby."

Sutcliffe, who yesterday condemned racist abuse of Lewis Hamilton by Spanish Formula One fans in Barcelona, warned Britain would lose any moral authority if the Munich tribute was marred. He said: "How can we argue about racism in sport and all the other things if we can't have a minute's silence for the tragedy that took place? I can't chastise other countries if we are not able to observe a minute's silence."

England's players have also called for supporters to respect the tribute.

United defender Rio Ferdinand said: "Hopefully the fans at Wembley and in the Manchester derby will pay their respects in the right way and observe a good minute's silence."