Football: Leicester held by Burnley on the day of tributes to the late Thai owner

LEICESTER: Leicester City experienced a wave of emotion on Saturday, Nov. 10, but failed to break the stalemate with Burnley in his first home game since his owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was was killed in a helicopter crash in front of King Power Stadium.

READ: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, owner of Leicester City FC, confirmed dead in a helicopter crash

A special tribute video was broadcast on the big screen before the coup, two weeks after his plane collapsed to the ground and caught fire just as it was taking off from the ground.

With football kits from many different clubs around the field, a huge banner was unfurled: "Khun Vichai, still in our hearts", under the eyes of former leaders of Leicester, including Claudio Ranieri, winner of the Premier League.

Vichai's son, Aiyawatt, the club's vice president, nicknamed Top, has made one of the many floral tributes.

Then the whole stadium remained silent for two minutes to remember Vichai and the four other dead in the crash, as well as soldiers and women killed in battle on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. World.

Fans turned the stands into a white sea during the silence, wearing special scarves dedicated to their former owner, which made their dream impossible in the Premier League a reality just two years ago.

The first half of the match was relatively straightforward, but the atmosphere that prevailed as the second half of the night went on was defeated, with fans desperate to honor Vichai's victory.

Leicester produced a wave of attacks but was not very lucky and had to settle for a 0-0 draw the day the result was secondary.

TRIBUTE WALK

Earlier, fans had braved the pouring rain as they walked the streets holding the Leicester flag and wearing club shirts, some with "Vichai" in the back.

There was a subdued atmosphere, but singing areas, including "We love you Leicester, we do it", "I'm Leicester until I die" and just "Vichai".

Under Vichai's ownership, Leicester caused one of the biggest upheavals in the history of English football by winning the 2015/16 Premier League, having started the season as 5,000 to 1 underdogs for the title.

Saturday's march was called 5000-1 march in recognition of this amazing feat.

The charismatic Thai had become a beloved figure of the club and the city – a feat rarely accomplished by billionaire owners often distant from the Premier League clubs.

Stories of his acts of generosity to club supporters and players and important donations he made to local hospitals appeared.

"No president has done what he did with Leicester City, I respect everything he's done and not just for the football club, but also for the charities," he said. said fan Jake Tilson, 35. "It's a legend."

"I think football can learn from him and how he gave to the local community."

Another supporter, Don Martin, said, "It sounds like a party, but it's one of the saddest days for the club, and it's a recognition for the president.

"I am confident for the future." Top (Vichai's son) and the rest of the family will pursue his father's inheritance. "There is no doubt about it," added the 57 year old player.

On Friday, the club announced plans to erect a statue of Vichai at the stadium.

His son Aiyawatt, the club's vice president, nicknamed Top, wrote in Saturday's match schedule: "We will never be able to repay what he has done for us – for me as his son, we as a family, everyone is connected to Leicester City and beyond – but we are determined to honor his memory and preserve his legacy. "

READ: Football: Vichai's son pledges to continue the grand mission of the owner of Leicester City

Director Claude Puel wrote, "He (Vichai) may not be here in person today, but he will be here in spirit and we will bear his essence in our hearts."

The team, currently 10th in the Premier League, returned to the game last weekend, beating Cardiff 1-0 away.

A number of players, including Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel, and manager Puel traveled to Thailand to attend Vichai's funeral.

Schmeichel was particularly touched after seeing the helicopter take off from the ground before it seems to take a fatal turn.

"I was on the ground and I dismissed it," Schmeichel said. "I've seen it all happen, it's something that will stay with me, unfortunately."

READ: Helicopter tragedy will haunt me forever, says Schmeichel of Leicester

The mourners transformed the Leicester stadium into a sanctuary dedicated to Vichai, lining the floor with floral tributes and thank you messages.