A MANCHESTER United fan has made a direct appeal to Wanderers supporters to behave during the Munich Disaster commemorations on Saturday.

In an open letter to club president Nat Lofthouse, United supporter Stewart Kay has called for restraint from Bolton's travelling fans.

He said: "It has shocked me to learn from a friend of mine in the Bolton area that there are a gang of thugs who intend to go to Old Trafford bent on a fight and with the intention of disturbing the minute silence.

"Is it not time for the Lion of Vienna yet again to show his power to his troops for the memory of his past England colleagues Roger, Tommy, big Duncan and their mates by appealing to all the Trotters to show restraint and behave in a manner that your club will be proud of."

Mr Kay has recalled the kindness shown to him by Bolton boss Bill Ridding after Bolton's 1958 FA Cup final victory against United.

He was staying with his parents in the Great Western Hotel in London - the same hotel as Wanderers.

Mr Kay said: "Bill Ridding knew that my friend and I were upset. He called us on one side and said he was going to let us do something that no United player had done that year.

"He took us to the safe deposit and let both of us hold the FA Cup - a great gesture by a great man."

Now Mr Kay hopes Wanderers fans will mirror the respect shown by Everton fans when Old Trafford held a minutes silence in memory of Sir Matt Busby.

As reported in the BEN, Wanderers president Nat Lofthouse has appealed to Bolton fans to respect the commemoration ceremonies at Old Trafford.

He said: "I can't believe our supporters would tarnish the memory of those who lost their lives and I'm sure they wouldn't do anything to damage the reputation of BWFC.

"I lost some really good pals at Munich and the game lost some really great players."

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