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Harry Gregg marks 60th anniversary of the Munich disaster

Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United player, Denis Irwin with members of the MUFC Leicestershire Supporters' Club for 60 Years Since The Munich Air Disaster commemorative event in Munich. picture Mark Mann-Bryans/PA Wire..
Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United player, Denis Irwin with members of the MUFC Leicestershire Supporters' Club for 60 Years Since The Munich Air Disaster commemorative event in Munich. picture Mark Mann-Bryans/PA Wire.. Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United player, Denis Irwin with members of the MUFC Leicestershire Supporters' Club for 60 Years Since The Munich Air Disaster commemorative event in Munich. picture Mark Mann-Bryans/PA Wire..

Manchester United stars past and present stood in silent solidarity at Old Trafford to mark the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

At 3.04pm on February 6, 1958, slush on the runway in Germany prevented United's plane from reaching take-off speed and led to a crash that killed 23 people.

Eight first-team players and three long-serving members of staff were among those to die as Sir Matt Busby's United made their way back from a European Cup match at Red Star Belgrade.

Eight journalists, the co-pilot, cabin steward, travel agent and a United supporter were also killed in the crash that only 21 people survived.

Sir Bobby Charlton and Harry Gregg were among the survivors and both men attended Tuesday's emotional Old Trafford occasion, along with families of the players, staff, media and friends.

Goalkeeper Gregg, who is originally from Coleraine, played 15 times for Northern Ireland.

More than 4,500 supporters joined them in the East Stand, as former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, director Michael Edelson and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward gave readings.

The trio wore commemorative ties featuring names of those who perished in Munich.

A minute's silence was followed by Pete Martin's rendition of The Flowers of Manchester, while Gregg, who spent time at the United training ground earlier in the day, sung along with Abide With Me as the ceremony ended.

Events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the disaster were also held in Munich and Belgrade.