Leeds United reportedly turned down Derby County’s offer of a minute’s applause to commemorate the passing of Terry Yorath last week, according to the Daily Mail.
The two clubs were fierce rivals during Yorath’s playing days with the Whites, and it wasn’t always pleasant between the sides on the pitch
However, Derby’s offer was respectfully declined so that Leeds could pay tribute to their former midfielder ahead of the clash with Fulham this weekend at Elland Road.
The sad passing of the former midfielder prompted his daughter, BBC presenter Gabby Logan, to step away from Wednesday’s Match of the Day programme due to a family emergency.
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In a heartfelt tribute, his children said: “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
Yorath’s son Daniel died tragically in 1992 aged 15 from an inherited heart condition. The Cardiff-born footballer is survived by daughters Gabby and Louise, son Jordan, and five grandchildren: Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix and Paloma.
Throughout his illustrious playing career, Yorath earned 59 caps for Wales, captaining his country on 41 occasions. He spent nine years at Leeds United from 1967, turning out 199 times for the Yorkshire side.
The midfielder clinched the First Division title with Leeds in 1974 and appeared in finals of the FA Cup, European Cup and Cup Winners Cup. The club honoured one of their legendary figures.
Leeds paid tribute to Yorath and his career in a poignant statement on Thursday morning. It read: “Leeds United are devastated to learn the news that club legend Terry Yorath has passed away, aged 75.
“Everyone at Leeds United will remember Terry fondly on and off pitch, and we are devastated by his passing. He will always be a club legend and we offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and family. Marching on Together, always.”
Yorath’s illustrious career saw him play for Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Bradford City, before ending his playing days at Swansea City.
Upon retiring, he transitioned into management, taking the helm at clubs such as Swansea, Wales, Bradford, Cardiff, Lebanon, Sheffield Wednesday and Margate. Yorath was just one match away from leading Wales to the 1994 World Cup.
He also steered Swansea to promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988.
During his tenure at Bradford, he served as player-coach and was assistant manager on the tragic day of the Valley Parade fire in 1985, a disaster that took the lives of 56 fans and injured 270 others.
