Why are Leicester and Tottenham players wearing black armbands during tonight’s match?

LEICESTER CITY played out a 1-1 draw with Tottenham as they got their 2024/25 Premier League season underway.

Both sets of players took to the pitch wearing black armbands in the game at the King Power.

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Why are Leicester and Tottenham players wearing black armbands?

Leicester and Tottenham players are wearing black armbands during their opening match in tribute to former Foxes manager Craig Shakespeare, who sadly passed away at the beginning of August aged 60.

Shakespeare's family released the following statement confirming the heartbreaking news, it read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, 'SHAKEY'.

"Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family.

"Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

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"The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person."

Shakespeare played a pivotal part as Claudio Ranieri's assistant in Leicester's fairy tale Premier League winning season in 2016.

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He replaced Ranieri as the club's manager in February 2017 and took charge of 24 games.

Shakespeare also worked for the likes of West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa, and Norwich, and had a spell as England assistant boss in 2016.

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Leicester confirmed plans to honour the life of Shakespeare ahead of their Premier League opener against Tottenham on Monday, August 19.

As well as the players wearing black armbands, the club asked fans to take to their seats early for a minute's applause before kick-off.

Representatives from both Leicester and Tottenham laid flowers in the dugouts ahead of the fixture.

A book of condolence was open in the Foxes Fanstore from 3pm on Monday, August 19, 2024, for those wishing to leave their own words of tribute.

The match ended 1-1.