(appropriate) not for the fallen, I am totally bemused by that idea. I can understand a minutes applause for an entertainer or a sportsman... but for the remembrance of our fallen heroes over the years is just.... well its just not right at all.
does seem a bit weird, having applause instead of silence. i think the reasoning is probably to block out anyone who doesn't observe the silence. but in my experience it's always impeccably observed
Imagine two minutes applause at the Cenotaph in London by the queen and all the attendees. Would be most bizarre. Silence to remember the fallen.
absolutely Marc I cannot ever remember shows of respect being just that at Oakwell. Impeccable. I can see the applause way having merit, for a departed entertainer Sportsman and such, but for our war heroes I am totally old school here and its a minutes silence for me every time. As you are well aware I was in te services a very long time so its quite close to my heart this one. I have Phoned the club and E-Mailed them too and asked them to have a re-think on this.
Re: absolutely Marc you've done the right thing. hopefully they will reconsider. i've just tweeted the club. maybe retweets could help. if it's any consolation, i won't be applauding. i'll be silent. hopefully many more will join in.
I also agree. There is nothing quite so powerful and corporate as the minute's silence, especially when being shared by a crowd of several thousand. This especially for Remembrance Day, but also other occasions. I recall how appreciative were the Norwich City fans when they had a minute's silence for their young player, Henderson, who had died in a car crash the week before we played them at Carrow Road. Some occasions transcend sport and sporting customs. Have the minute's silence, I say, even if it gives the youngsters the opportunity to ask why we are doing it. It's not too late and I bet it would be impeccably observed by both sets of fans and, after all, we are not Leeds!
Completely agree Baz - its just wrong - also how can you really remember properly if you are busy clapping and surrounded by all that noise Will email the club myself on that one - just wrong
Completely agree on this. Applause is good for celebrating a life, but we aren't celebrating anything here. We are mourning the appalling loss of life, and pausing to think about the causes of war and how we might, just possibly, try to avoid it in future. Silence for me. I'll not be clapping. E-mail on its way to the Club to ask them to reconsider. PS Here's what I sent: I'm emailing to ask that the Club might reconsider the idea to hold a minute's applause before the game on Saturday. Applause is appropriate where we are celebrating a life, such as was the case with Stan Matthews. This is Remembrance, not celebration. It is a sombre occasion, and silence seems much more fitting. I shall be at the match, but I shall not applaud as I find it offensive. I know that the idea is well-intentioned, but please think again.