By Samantha Habgood

Football was not my main focus when Crystal Palace played Manchester City on Saturday 19th November.

Crystal Palace fans paid tribute to the seven victims of the Croydon tram derailment.

Being from Croydon, and a life long Crystal Palace fan, hearing about what happened that Wednesday morning came as a complete shock.

I couldn’t help but feel the emotion the community.

Embed from Getty Images

The seven victims of the Croydon tram derailment accident were remembered before the game during a minute silence by both clubs, fans, management and staff. An extra remembrance was paid to the two victims who were Palace fans, Dane Chinnery and Phil Sears during the game. This was done by a minute applause, which was heard around Selhurst Park in both the 19^th and 57^th minute to represent their ages.

Embed from Getty Images

Crystal Palace made a statement a day after the incident saying “this was a terrible event in the heart of Croydon and we stand with the community at this difficult time”. The Crystal Palace match programme cover was dedicated to the Croydon tram derailment disaster. Crystal Palace FC have also promoted a JustGiving page which is to help raise money in an effort to support the families and community affected by the incident. Manchester City have also shown their support to the page to help those affected, so far 877 supporters have raised £23,500.

Embed from Getty Images

As pressure builds on Crystal Palace due to their poor form in the Premier League, some football fans could be forgiven for only focusing on that. But that was not the case for Palace fans, who know the strength comes from community. If anything should be taken from this incident it is that anything can happen at any time. The importance of football during this time provided support and a sense of community in such a difficult and emotional period for the community of Croydon.