Manchester United fans today gathered once again to remember and pay their respects to those killed in the Munich Air disaster.
It is the first time since 2020 that the traditional annual memorial ceremony took place with pandemic restrictions meaning it was not possible to hold the event last year.
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However this afternoon, on the 64th anniversary of the air crash which saw 23 people including eight United players lose their lives, hundreds of Reds' supporters gathered underneath the memorial at Old Trafford.
The service, described by the club as being "by the fans, for the fans" was co-ordinated by supporters' group Munich58 with former club chaplain the Reverend John Boyers acting as master of ceremonies.
The names of all those who died were read out, before a two-minute's silence at 3:04pm, the exact time that the plane crashed on February 6, 1958.
The service also included a number of poems and songs, including a rendition of The Flowers of Manchester.
Former United defender Wes Brown was among those present and laid a wreath.
Whilst a number of the club's young academy players were also involved in the service.
Up to 1,000 people are said to have gathered on Old Trafford's East Stand forecourt with many fans wearing shirts and scarves bearing the names of players who lost their lives.
Those not able to attend in person were also able to watch and follow the service online via the club wesbite.
The darkest day in United's history occurred as the club travelled back from a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia with the flight bringing the players, club staff and journalists home stopping in Munich, Germany to refuel.
The plane crashed following a third attempt to take off in inclement weather.
Geoff Bent, aged 25, Roger Byrne, 28, Eddie Colman, 21, Duncan Edwards, 21, Mark Jones ,24, David Pegg 22,, Tommy Taylor, 26, and Liam Whelan 22, players who were all part of Sir Matt Busby's feted side known as the Busby Babes, all perished as a result of their injuries.
Three club staff - secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley. and eight journalists - Alf Clarke, Donny Davies, George Follows, Archie Ledbrooke, Henry Rose, Eric Thompson, the Manchester Evening News' Tom Jackson and former Manchester City goalkeeper Frank Swift, then working for the News of the World, also died.
Captain Ken Rayment, crew member Tom Cable, travel agent Bela Miklos and supporter Willie Satinoff, a friend of United manager Sir Matt Busby, were also victims of the tragedy.
Tributes were also paid at United's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Middlesborough at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Interim Reds' manager Ralf Rangnick and the visitors' boss Chris Wilder placed wreaths on the pitch ahead of kick-off whilst the players wore black armbands.
Rangnick said in his official programme notes: "I have always admired how this club pays tribute every year to such a major incident in its history, and it is important that this tradition always continues because it is such a big part of the Manchester United story.”
Club Captain Harry Maguire also said: "“I think it is a really important day, the anniversary of the air disaster, a huge tragedy, but a tragedy where the club has built a lot of traditions and foundations to show togetherness with the fans,” said the captain.
“The club in general has shown a huge togetherness and that is what it has showed over the years, to rise again and show that spirit.”
Manchester United Women wore black armbands in their away game against Arsenal on Saturday.
And flags at Old Trafford will fly at half-mast until after the Under-18s match on Wednesday evening the club said.
