Family 'overwhelmed' after Arbroath FC hold silence for Minnie Merriman

What the report says

Arbroath FC has paid tribute to nine-year-old Minnie Merriman with a minute’s silence before its Scottish Championship match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, after the girl’s family said they were moved by the gesture. The tribute took place on Saturday at Gayfield Park, which BBC Sport noted is about a mile from the area where Minnie was found seriously injured.

According to the BBC, Minnie was from West Yorkshire and died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after being found on the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath shortly after midnight on Monday. Police Scotland has said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. The wider family is being supported by specialist officers.

The article also reports that Minnie’s father, Christopher Rice, 35, of Wakefield, appeared in court and was charged with her murder. He made no plea at a private hearing at Forfar Sheriff Court and was remanded in custody. The family described their loss as devastating and asked for privacy, while Minnie’s aunt thanked the club on Facebook for its kindness and support.

More broadly, minute’s silences are a common way football clubs and communities mark a death and show respect, especially when a case has drawn strong local attention. In this instance, the tribute appeared to resonate with both the family and supporters at the match.