City fear 'idiots' will ruin Manchester United's Munich tribute

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City's official supporters' club have written to United and the Barclays Premier League over fears the tribute will be marred by a vocal minority amongst the 3,000 travelling fans at Old Trafford on February 10.

Tribute: But fans are up in arms about the AIG logo

A minute's silence to mark the death of former United player Noel Cantwell during a derby game in September 2005 was cut short after just 35 seconds by anti-United chanting from the City supporters.

Kevin Parker, the supporters' club secretary, said: "Although there is some friendly rivalry between supporters of the two clubs, there is also a great deal of hatred and there will be some City fans who will not want to go along with the recognition of the disaster.

"We plead with United to change the proposed minute's silence to applause.

"In this way, any idiot who does not share these views (of respect) will be drowned out rather than highlighted."

However, United feel applause is not appropriate to mark the tragic loss.

Although both clubs have worked closely in an effort to ease tensions a minority of City fans have recently been heard chanting, 'We're all going to the golden jubilee,' to the tune of Yellow Submarine at recent away games.

United fans are furious that the logo of club sponsor AIG is included in a giant tribute unveiled at Old Trafford.

The company's motif and United's badge stand either side of the legend, 'They play on in our memories' at the foot of the moving tribute to the United players who were among 23 victims of the crash.

In a joint statement, United fans' groups likened the combination of words and logo to "a cheesy advertising strapline" and demanded its removal.

"It appears an attempt to monetise the remembrance of Munich by associating themselves with the powerful emotions generated," they added.

But United, who have a £56million deal with AIG, said: "It is entirely appropriate that a partner as closely involved as AIG would want to remember that extraordinary team, cut down in its prime."

Sir Alex Ferguson will reward his players with a day by the pool and on the golf course after Al-Hilal inflicted a 3-2 defeat on United in Riyadh last night.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez scored in Sami Al Jaber's testimonial match but 17- year-old forward Danny Wellbeck missed an injury-time penalty at the end of the game to deny the Premier League champions a draw.