Cardiff City will include a special homage to the late Peter Whittingham on Saturday ahead of the first league game supporters have been allowed to attend since the club legend died.
The club has asked for all supporters to send in photographs of loved ones to display on the big screen before kick-off against Barnsley at Cardiff City Stadium, accompanied by a minute’s silence.
It is understood the tribute will culminate in a video of Whittingham’s iconic goal against Barnsley back in March 2011, a stunning strike which saw him volley the ball into the top corner from 30 yards.
A crowd-surfing banner of Whitts will also be present for supporters to pass along in the stands. Said banner will then sit at the top of the Canton Stand permanently.
Cardiff have also confirmed to WalesOnline that they are committed to playing a Peter Whittingham tribute match next year. The opponents for that game are yet to be confirmed but discussions are ongoing.
The club have always remained committed to paying tribute to Whittingham when supporters were allowed back inside the stadium to share in their appreciation for a man who achieved legendary status.
Supporters are permitted to attend this Saturday’s clash for the first time since February 2020, with the club set to operate on an alert level zero without any limitations on capacity, save level 5 of the grandstand in which they will implement social distancing measures for fans who want to observe them.
Cardiff placed a Peter Whittingham banner in the stands last year when playing behind closed doors
(Image: Getty Images)
Whittingham tragically died aged 35 on March 19, 2020. The former midfielder had fallen through a pub fire door in Barry and was in a coma for 12 days before he passed away.
Whittingham enjoyed a hugely successful 10-year spell in the Welsh capital, notching 96 goals in 457 matches for Cardiff between 2007 and 2017.
He previously played for Aston Villa before ending his career at Blackburn Rovers in 2018.
While this is also the first opportunity fans will have to show their respect for Whittingham, it is also a time for them to pay tribute to other family and friends they have lost in that time.
“Ahead of kick-off against Barnsley this coming Saturday, players, officials and supporters of both clubs will be asked to stand for a minute’s silent reflection in memory of all those lost since we last watched football together at Cardiff City Stadium back in February 2020,” a Cardiff City statement read.
“Supporters wishing to honour late friends or family during this time can send images to [email protected] up until Friday 6th August at 1pm. Please also supply the full name of your friend or relative.
“A tribute montage will be played on the two stadium jumbotrons during the silence, with all photos subsequently collated and published in the next league edition of the matchday programme.
“They will be, forever, Bluebirds.”
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