EXCLUSIVE

by Chris Hunter

Footballers have been branded "shameful" for disregarding a minute's silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Young players aged six to 12 at Medway Rugby Club stood in silent respect at Priestfield Recreation Ground on Sunday morning to remember those who have died in conflicts.

But parents and club members said they were disgusted that nearby footballers, who share the pitch and changing rooms, carried on playing.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: "Across the playing fields various groups were observing the silence as good as gold. While that was happening the adults carried on playing."

The mark of disrespect followed tension just minutes earlier, when a footballer had been heard to swear as players discussed plans for the silence.

The parent added: "It was discussed with the young group - they said they were going to have a silence to remember those in the war and what they did that allows us to do fun things like playing rugby on a Sunday morning. But at the same time a footballer was swearing about the youngsters."

Medway's referee co-ordinator Danny Pattenden, also a parent of two youth players, called the display "shameful".

He also overheard three women walking nearby, using "terse language" during the silence.

Mr Pattenden added: "If a rugby club can respect the minute's silence, why can't they?"

What do you think? Did you witness the minute's silence at Priestfield Recreation Ground? Were you playing football?

Phone the Medway Messenger newsroom on 01634 227803 or email chunter@thekmgroup.co.uk.