PFA offers counselling to Leicester City players following death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

This comes as Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha pledged to continue his father’s work at the club

Samuel Lovett
Wednesday 31 October 2018 17:22 GMT
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Son of Leicester chairman and his relatives lay wreath outside Leicester's stadium

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have offered counselling to Leicester City’s players following the death of owner and chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, while the club itself is continuing to provide bereavement sessions for squad members seeking emotional support.

Srivaddhanaprabha and four others lost their lives on Saturday night when the Thai billionaire’s helicopter crashed after taking off from the King Power Stadium.

Thousands have so far paid tribute to the late businessman, who bought Leicester in 2010 and oversaw the club’s historic title-winning season, while books of condolence have been opened outside the stadium.

Many of Leicester’s players have been left devastated by Saturday night’s tragedy and are currently undergoing one-on-one counselling sessions provided by the club.

The PFA has also reached out to offer their services alongside the Sporting Chance Clinic, a British sports charity first established in 2000 by former Arsenal player Tony Adams.

Leicester are, for now, dealing with such matters internally but have acknowledged the offer of support provided by the PFA and Sporting Chance and will use these services if necessary.

This comes as Leicester vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha pledged to continue his father’s work at the club.

“I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming support,” the 33-year-old, known as ‘Top’, posted on Instagram.

“What happened made me realise how important my dad was to many people all over the world and I am touched by how many people kept him close to their hearts.

“I am extremely proud to have such an extraordinary father. From him I have received a very big mission and legacy to pass on and I intend to do just that.

“I know I will receive the support to make this happen and I am so grateful for all your messages and kind words.

“Today, he left me with a legacy to continue and I will do everything I can to carry on his big vision and dreams.

Thousands of tributes have been laid outside the King Power Stadium

“My family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your sincere kindness and good intentions during the most difficult time for us.”

The tribute comes before the five of the club’s main fan groups meet on Wednesday to plan their homage to the owner.

The Supporters’ Club, the Foxes Trust, the Disabled Supporters Association, Foxes Pride and Union FS will discuss the best way to pay their respects at the next home match against Burnley. A mosaic and a flag are under consideration.

Two members of the chairman’s staff, Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, and pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner Izabela Roza Lechowicz also died in Saturday’s crash.

Tributes from fans and players have continued to grow outside King Power’s North Stand while numerous clubs and high-profile sports figures have issued messages of support.

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