Leicester fans honour late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s birthday with free beer and cake

LEICESTER have honoured Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s birthday  by handing free beer and cake to fans.

The Foxes are taking on Bournemouth and wanted to honour their former owner, who tragically passed away in October.

Vichai would have turned 61 on April 4 and the club traditionally marked the occasion by giving back to their supporters.

And in a touching gesture, the tradition continued ahead of the clash with the Cherries.

A statement said: “To mark Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s birthday and to thank the Blue Army for their fantastic support this season, City Vice Chairman Aiyawatt and the Srivaddhanaprabha family have laid on complimentary Chang beer, water and cupcakes for every ticket-holding Foxes fan attending Saturday’s game.

“Generosity towards the Foxes faithful at home and away games was a hallmark of Khun Vichai’s Leicester City chairmanship, particularly around his birthday, with supporters being regularly treated to everything from free beer and breakfast, to scarves, t-shirts and even season tickets down the years.

“For the Chairman’s first birthday following his tragic passing in October, it is a tradition the Srivaddhanaprabha family wish to maintain in his honour.”

He was an incredible leader and for all his wealth he was a good person.

Brendan Rodgers

Leicester took the lead through Wes Morgan as they look to take three points  on an emotional occasion.

Vichai took ownership of Leicester in 2010, and oversaw their promotion to the Premier League, as well as their underdog story as his side won the top-flight in the 2015-16 season.

His funeral was held in November where it lasted a number of days, and in keeping with Buddhist beliefs, his body has been kept in rest for 100 days.

While the much-loved businessman was also given ‘royal sponsorship’ due to his stellar status in his native country.

Boss Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to Vichai, as he said: “Coming into the club I’ve got a real sense of what he meant to everyone.

“He was an incredible leader and for all his wealth he was a good person.”

Rodgers has also insisted he intends to honour his memory by winning trophies for Leicester.

He added: “When I came into the club, the vision I presented to Top (Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha) was very simple – it was to win as many titles as we could.

“So let’s not shy away from it, we want to win and that’s why I came here.

“And to defend what the owners have wanted to achieve and helping them gain further success in the future.”