Sir Matt Busby Petition Launched by Fans After Manchester United Remove Plaque

A petition has been started online calling for Manchester United to reverse their reported decision to remove a plaque honouring legendary former manager Sir Matt Busby. 

According to Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror, a memento on the former coach’s seat in the directors’ box has been removed by the Red Devils, triggering anger among some sections of the fanbase.

It’s also noted in the piece that four seats previously given to the Busby family have been retracted by the club, with the seats previously used by the legend’s children and, as recently as the 2015-16 term, his grandchildren.

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In a petition on Change.org set up by Alan Knowles, it’s suggested the plaque should be put back, with some fans labelling the reported decision as “disgraceful” and showing a “lack of respect,” per Corless.

Sports journalist Tim Rich also expressed his dismay at the reported decision to take down the plaque:

However, there have been suggestions by some supporters on social media the story has been overblown and misreported. This post from eMKayeN on Twitter suggests that is the case:

Busby is remembered as one of the greatest managers to ever grace the game, with only Sir Alex Ferguson surpassing his success in the history of the Red Devils. The former Liverpool and Manchester City player led United to the European Cup in 1968, as well as to five league titles and the FA Cup on two occasions.

The Scotsman also survived the 1958 Munich air disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 23 people, including 11 United players and staff. He died in 1994, aged 84.