Philips stadium to fall silent

By Kevin Ashby in Eindhoven

Two minute silence
Local fans and those arriving from Italy will see flags flying at half-mast in and around the ground as PSV, like the rest of the Netherlands, pay tribute to the victims of the second world war. The Philips Stadion will observe the traditional two minutes' silence at 20.00CET so supporters are asked to arrive by 19.45.

Italians informed
Players from PSV and Milan will be on the pitch for the period of silence, while the giant screens inside the stadium will show live coverage of commemorative ceremonies taking place elsewhere. Visiting fans from Italy will receive a note informing them of the observance upon entering the ground and will be invited to respect the silence.

Van Bommel plea
The music inside the stadium will reflect the sombre nature of the occasion until 20.30 when the usual pre-match build-up will begin. PSV captain Mark van Bommel said: "We ask the fans to come to the stadium early to join the players in remembering the dead. Only after we have done that can we get into the atmosphere of a big game."