The tragedy of 9/11 affected everyone differently, and especially being from New York and speaking first-hand as having friends and former teammates who passed away in the terrible tragedy, it certainly makes you step back and think of the things that are really important in your life.John Hayden of the Washington Times writes of how 9/11 affected Major League Soccer 10 years ago.
Bill Shankly, the legendary coach of fabled Liverpool, once said, "Soccer isn't a matter of life and death—it's much more important than that." Shankly's oft-quoted remark sounded ridiculous and hollow ten year's ago following the terrorist attacks on that Tuesday morning of September 11 in New York City, Washington D.C., and over the hills of Pennsylvania.
After the attack, Major League Soccer cancelled the final week of the regular season. D.C. United's 28-game season was cut short by two games. The club failed to reach the playoffs and Thomas Rongen's three-year tenure at the team was over.
In November that year, D.C. United and the Washington Freedom held an evening of benefit games at RFK Stadium to help victims and families of the terrorist attacks. Juergen Klinsmann, now the U.S. men's coach, made a special appearance playing for United. But the most moving moment of the night, was when 9-year-old soccer player Christa Horrocks of Philadelphia, whose father Michael was a co-pilot on United Flight 175 that hit the World Trade Center, stood next to Mia Hamm on the field as an honorary captain for the Freedom. Hamm played the entire game with a photo of Christa's father in her shinguard.
In Europe, UEFA angered many by allowing Champions League games that Tuesday night to continue. However, after an outcry from clubs, supporters and even the Vatican, UEFA postponed the Wednesday matches, which included Manchester United's game against Olympiakos in Greece.
While 67 Britons died in the attack, matches were still played in midweek and at the weekend in England.
During the minute's silence which preceded Tottenham Hotspur F.A. Cup game against Torquay United on the Thursday evening after 9/11, many eyes were focused on American goalie Kasey Keller who was making his debut for the London club that went on to beat United 2-0.
World Cup qualifying games also went on in Asia that weekend. Iran held a minute of silence before its qualifier against Bahrain to honor those killed in the attacks. The crowd of about 60,000 sat quietly as players stood on the field and TV announcers kept silent.
"In tragic circumstances, football must symbolize the ideals of fair play and nonviolence, and encourage people to respect the dignity of each and every human being," FIFA president Sepp Blatter said at the time. "The world today is no longer the one we knew. But football must remain a beacon of hope."
This weekend, soccer players involved in Major League Soccer will solemnly observe the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Just prior to the singing of the national anthem at each game, fans will be asked to join in a 30-second moment of silence. All players and referees will wear black armbands bearing the logo of the official 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhatten.
"The entire MLS family looks to honor those who lost their lives and those that so heroically worked as first responders on 9/11," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber who on the tragic day was driving to his office via the Lincoln Tunnel when he saw the towers in flames. He then called his brother, who works a block away from the World Trade Center, and urged him to find safety.
Added Garber this week: "It is important that we all take time to reflect on the devastating loss on that tragic day and recognize the enormous commitment and sacrifices made by so many brave Americans that work to protect our safety every day."
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