FA Cup clashes won't hold minute's silence for Baroness Thatcher

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has revealed that this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals will not hold a minute's silence in tribute of the late Margaret Thatcher.

The former prime minister, who reigned from 1979 to 1990, died from a stroke on Monday, and questions have been raised over whether football should pay its respects.

While Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan and Reading chief John Madejski have expressed their wishes for clubs to mark the death of Baroness Thatcher, the FA have decided against a tribute.

"It will not happen," said Bernstein. "We are an apolitical organisation and we will not have a minute's silence. This is not something, whether for Baroness Thatcher or any other equivalent person, we would have that type of commemoration for.

"That is no sign of disrespect, I respect her enormously, but that is our position. There was obviously a discussion. We take these things seriously and don't take any decisions lightly. But we came to the conclusion pretty quickly."

Bernstein's comments came during his appearance at the Soccerex event in Manchester.