THE BITTER END

TEARS were shed at Maine Road during an emotional memorial service for about 1,000 relatives of Manchester City fans whose ashes had been scattered on the pitch.

The service, which included hymns and prayers, was led by club chaplain Rev Tony Porter, wearing a City scarf.

Rev Porter said:
"The club recognised that lots of people had their ashes scattered on the ground, and now that we are moving away from Maine Road it was decided that a memorial service would be dignified and a proper way of marking the occasion.I thought 3pm on a Saturday was an appropriate time, because that was when the memories would be particularly poignant.It was very emotional, and there were plenty of tears as well as smiles for the relatives."