Football fans pay tribute to George Best

Football grounds across Britain will observe a moment's silence today to honour the genius of the late George Best.

Football grounds across Britain will observe a moment's silence today to honour the genius of the late George Best.

The legendary Manchester United player finally lost his battle for life yesterday at the age of 59.

The Football League announced there would be a minute's silence before all of its games this weekend, while Celtic will stage a minute's applause in tribute ahead of the Bank of Scotland Premier League game against Dunfermline.

Best's prodigious talent drew the affection and awe of millions of fans and tributes to him poured in from across the football world.

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Books of condolence will be opened at the city hall in Belfast and at Manchester United, Best's most famous club, for supporters to honour the player.

In the wake of his death, fans made a pilgrimage to Old Trafford to leave flowers, shirts and scarves, while friends said he should be remembered for inspiring an entire generation of players in the 1960s and 1970s and for being a kind and generous man.

The man hailed by many as the most magical player of all time will be buried in his native Belfast beside his mother Ann. His funeral is expected to be held in a week's time but final arrangements have not yet been made.

The former Manchester United, Fulham and Northern Ireland star, who was a long term alcoholic, died after suffering multiple organ failure.

After keeping a long bedside vigil his family looked emotionally shattered as they emerged from the Cromwell Hospital in west London.

His tearful son Calum, 24, said: "Not only have I lost my dad but we've all lost a wonderful man."

PA