Cyrille Regis: Premier League clubs to pay tribute at this weekend's matches

Premier League clubs will hold a minute of applause before this weekend's matches and players will wear black armbands in tribute to former West Brom and England forward Cyrille Regis.

Regis, a pioneer for black footballers in the game, died aged 59 on Sunday.

It is understood the Premier League took the decision, after a request from the Professional Footballers' Association on Thursday.

West Brom will celebrate his life after his funeral on 30 January.

Regis' funeral cortege will leave the Hawthorns earlier in the day for a private family service, after which former colleagues, contemporaries and friends will join supporters and the general public in the stadium's East Stand to pay tribute.

The Baggies are away to Everton on Saturday, with their next home game coming against Southampton on 3 February.

"The Premier League recognises the important career of Cyrille Regis, and his special role as a trailblazer for black players in modern English football." said the league in a statement.

"The League embraces requests from clubs and stakeholders to celebrate the lives of people who have made a unique contribution to the sport."

The EFL has not organised a Football League wide tribute, but said it would "offer its full support for any proposed marks of respect" that clubs make this weekend.

A spokesman said: "The EFL understands the strength of feeling throughout football for the impact Cyrille Regis made as a player and as a campaigner for black players in the game.

"We will always support the recognition of players who have left a lasting legacy on our game."

Prior to the Premier League's announcement, there had been criticism over a lack of a unified tribute to Regis.