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Leicester Beat Cardiff In First Match Since Owner's Tragic Helicopter Death

Leicester Beat Cardiff In First Match Since Owner's Tragic Helicopter Death

Gray took his top off in his celebrations, revealing a base layer with the message 'For Khun Vichai'

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

Leicester City have beaten Cardiff in their first match since the club's owner died in a helicopter crash last Saturday.

The Foxes' Carabao Cup match against Southampton on Tuesday was postponed to allow all associated with the club time to mourn Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's untimely death.

But the players came away with three points today against Cardiff in an impassioned performance.

PA

Before the match, a minute's silence was observed to mark the deaths of the five people on board the helicopter that crashed after leaving the King Power Stadium following the East Midlands side's game against West Ham last weekend.

During the silence, Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel could be seen in floods of tears, having rushed out to the scene of the crash in an attempt to help the victims. Earlier this week, he paid a lengthy tribute to the man who made him feel 'like nothing was impossible'.

PA

But the 31-year-old Dane did the Srivaddhanaprabha proud, keeping a clean sheet as the Foxes came away with all three points in a 1-0 victory.

Leicester scored the crucial goal in the 55th minute, after Ben Chilwell crossed the ball into the box and Demarai Gray half-volleyed into the back of the net. It was immediately clear to see how much the goal meant to the players, who took the opportunity to vent their feelings during an extremely emotional week.

The whole team got involved in the celebrations, including Schmeichel, and Gray took off his top, revealing a base layer which read 'FOR KHUN VICHAI'.

PA

Referee Lee Probert stuck to the letter of the law, HOWEVER, and gave Gray a booking for his celebrations.

At the full time whistle, the players embraced each other during a team huddle and applauded the travelling fans, who held aloft 'Vichai' scarves.

The reaction from the players, fans and wider Leicester community since Srivaddhanaprabha 's death has reflected the fact he was not your regular football owner. From paying for fans' travels and bonding with players, to investing millions in local hospitals and regularly attending matches, Srivaddhanaprabha didn't just invest money in the club, he invested himself in the club.

PA

That's not to mention the monumental achievement of helping to transform the club from Championship strugglers to Premiership champions in just six years.

An extract from Schmeichel's tribute earlier in the week reflects the depth of feeling for the man at Leicester City FC.

He said: "Dear Mr Chairman, I cannot believe this is happening. I am so totally devastated and heartbroken. I just cannot believe what I saw last night. It just doesn't seem real.

"It is difficult to put into words how much you have meant to this football club and to the city of Leicester. We all know about the investment in the football club you and your family have made. But this is about so much more.

"You cared so deeply for not just the club but for the entire community. Your endless contribution to Leicester's hospitals and charities will never be forgotten. You went above and beyond in every aspect.

PA

"Never have I ever come across a man like you. So hard working, so dedicated, so passionate, so kind and so generous in the extreme. You had time for everyone. You touched everyone. It didn't matter who it was, you had time for them. I always admired you as a leader, as a father and as a man.

"You changed football. Forever! You gave hope to everyone that the impossible was possible, not just to our fans, but to fans all over the world in any sport! Not many people have done that.

"You literally made my dreams come true."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, Football