Manchester City and West Ham fans have paid tribute to Marc-Vivien Foe to honour the memory of the midfielder who tragically died 10 years ago.
The club showed an image of Foe, who played for both City and the Hammers, on the electronic boards in the Etihad after 23 minutes and fans of both clubs joined in a minute's applause for the Blues' former No 23.
The Cameroonian collapsed during the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia on June 26, 2003 and passed away shortly afterwards despite attempts to resuscitate the 28-year-old.
Foe, who also had spells with French sides Lens and Lyon, died following a cardiac arrest. He had the same hereditary heart condition (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) which caused former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba to collapse on the pitch last year.
West Ham signed Foe for a club record of £4.2million in 1999 before returning to France with Lyon in 2000. He then joined City on loan in 2002 and scored nine times for the club from midfield in his sole season in Manchester. He was the last City player to score at Maine Road.
The idea to applaud on the 23rd minute originated from City fans themselves, with supporters airing their views for the best way to tribute Foe on club forums.
On the 23rd minute, the club showed Foe's portrait on the electronic boards to ensure both sets of fans know to applaud at that time.
Although it is another two months until the 10-year anniversary of Foe's death, the club and fans believe the match between his two former teams this weekend is the most appropriate time available to honour his memory.
One post on mcfcforum.com read: 'On the 27th April, City host West Ham United in the league. How fitting would it be to have the entire stadium applaud and celebrate Foe's life for one minute in the 23rd?
'I am here to ask you all to spread the word amongst your fellow Citizens and Hammers fans. Many of you will not be aware, but there was to be a City v Lyon/West Ham XI game but for reasons unknown it was cancelled.
The Marc-Vivien Foe Fund, aimed at financing research on cardiac arrest, was launched in November 2010 and was backed by the footballer's widow, Marie-Louise.
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