Malcolm Brodie who has passed away this week aged 86

FANS, players and mangers will observed a dignified minute’s silence at Irish league football games on Saturday afternoon in tribute to veteran sports reporter Malcolm Brodie.

‘Malky’ or ‘MB’, as he was known in the world of football and sports journalism who covered 14 World Cups, died earlier this week aged 86.

Manchester United legend Harry Gregg was among the many people from across the world of sport to pay tribute to the legendary writer, whose services to journalism earned him a plethora of awards including an MBE and FIFA’s Jules Rimet Trophy.

As a mark of respect, the Irish Football Association announced that there will be a minute’s silence, followed by a minute’s applause, at all local games on Saturday.

“Windsor Park – the Shrine – as Malcolm jokingly called it, will never be the same on international nights without Malcolm’s presence,” the IFA said.

“Everyone in the Northern Irish football family will mourn his passing and he will be sorely missed. The condolences and prayers of the IFA Office Bearers, Board, Council and staff go out to his family circle.”

Malcolm Brodie’s funeral will take place in east Belfast on Monday.

Saturday’s Irish League fixtures (3 pm kick-offs):

Cliftonville v Lisburn Distillery

Coleraine v Ballinamallard Utd.

Donegal Celtic v Crusaders

Glenavon v Dungannon Swifts

Linfield v Ballymena Utd.

Portadown v Glentoran