Peter Schmeichel opens up on “pillar of community” son Kasper’s horrific experience

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel speaks about his son and Leicester City stopper, Kasper’s horrific experience on the night that Foxes chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died tragically.

Disaster struck at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium little over three weeks ago; it now seems a longer time with everything that has happened in between. Touching tributes flowed into the East Midlands club in the week that followed Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s tragic passing, due to a helicopter crash at the ground.

Exactly one week after the terrible incident, the Foxes won 1-0 at Cardiff City thanks to an emotional Demarai Gray goal, via an expert cutback from Ben Chilwell. Then the squad flew to Bangkok, Thailand for Khun Vichai’s distressing funeral.

Arriving back at Leicester City for the first match at the King Power – Srivaddhanaprabha family business name and the Foxes’ home – two weeks after devastation, to draw with Burnley 0-0. In a physically and mentally draining occasion. At which, Khun Vichai’s legacy was honoured respectfully by both teams.

The Blue Army lifted ‘Mr Chairman | Forever In Our Hearts’ scarves, clapped on the late owner’s age-minute of the Premier League clash. In addition to mutual applause on pitch at the final whistle for Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and family; as well as former managers and club legends from Leicester City.

When the accident happened in Leicester after the 1-1 draw with West Ham United on October 27, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel ran to the fiery site of the downed helicopter on waste ground – literally just outside the stadium. In an attempt to help or rescue any survivors of the ill-fated journey. Only to be stopped by police and rescue services so he would not be injured too. Sadly, all five on board perished on impact.

Now, in a BBC radio interview, Kasper’s father Peter – also a Denmark international goalie and Manchester United great – explains his thoughts on his son’s bravery and horrific experience:

"“I’m proud of his reaction as the first thing he wants to do is help,” said the Manchester United great of his son.“He was running towards a burning helicopter. You don’t want your kids to do that.”Schmeichel says 31-year-old Denmark international Kasper is “coping” and has become a “pillar of the Leicester community” since the crash, which happened at the King Power Stadium shortly after the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with West Ham.Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live’s Sportsweek, the former goalkeeper described his son as “a respectful, thoughtful and sensitive man. You don’t meet many of them.“He’s done exceptionally well. He’s come through a difficult time and I’ve tried to read his emotions and hopefully it won’t be a big reaction.”– Peter Schmeichel"

How moving to hear a father praise his courageous son and label him a “pillar of the community“. Kasper is a particularly compassionate man, as known by the entire Blue Army.

In regards to his feelings of the awful night, the 32-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport: “I was on the pitch and I waved him off. It is something that will stay with me, unfortunately. I saw it all happen. It’s not a nice memory but I’ve had all the support that I need. The club has been great and everybody has received the support that they needed.”

A quite harrowing story and time in mourning for all involved at the club. Especially those close to the admired, beloved chairman, as was Kasper and of course, Aiyawatt, also know as Top.