Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha: Leicester players and fans pay respects at first home game since tragedy
- Published
Fans and players pay emotional tribute at Leicester
Leicester City boss Claude Puel said he was "proud" of his team as fans and players paid their respects to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha at the team's first home game since the owner's death.
The club's Thai owner and four others died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium on 28 October.
Thousands of fans marched from Jubilee Square to the stadium before the game against Burnley, which finished 0-0.
"I'd like to congratulate the players because it was difficult," said Puel.
After the final whistle, Leicester's players stayed on the pitch to be joined by Srivaddhanaprabha's son Aiyawatt.
It was a gesture of thanks for the comfort the supporters have given him and his family - and also a real show of unity for players, staff, fans.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Frenchman added: "I was proud of the players' performance because they gave their best in this situation.
"The most important thing is to always give our best. It was a professional attitude."
Midfielder Marc Albrighton said afterwards that Leicester's players were "emotionally drained".
"Today was one of the hardest games I have ever played. It's hard to focus," he added.
Fans were given scarves saying 'Forever in our Hearts' and the players wore a special shirt during the first half.
Thousands of fans - not just of Leicester City - marched from Jubilee Square to the King Power Stadium
Leicester fans pay their respects at tributes which have been moved close to the site of the accident
The stadium was full 25 minutes before kick-off and a video tribute was played before two minutes' silence was held.
Puel added: "This week was a tough week, a long journey in Bangkok to support Vichai's family, and to prepare for our game today was difficult, but it was a good feeling to go together and pay our tributes to our chairman.
"We cannot forget what happened two weeks ago but we have to find focus and concentration in our play. All the people here can for a few minutes forget their sorrow. It's important to give pleasure to all the people who gave fantastic support and to honour Vichai with our fighting spirit."
Fans at the King Power Stadium were given scarves that said 'Forever in our Hearts' and 'Mr Chairman'
Former Leicester managers Craig Shakespeare, Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri were at the game
Two minutes' silence was held at the King Power Stadium
Claudio Ranieri, Nigel Pearson and Craig Shakespeare, who all managed the Foxes under Srivaddhanaprabha, were also at the game.
On Friday, the club announced plans to erect a statue of the chairman at the King Power Stadium.
Some of the tributes left at the King Power Stadium have been placed around the pitch