Why Arsenal are wearing black armbands during Premier League clash against Crystal Palace

Arsenal will be wearing black armbands during their Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Saturday evening as the club pays tribute to former player George Eastham.

Eastham, who died aged 88 on Friday, played an important role in Arsenal's history. Making 214 appearances for the club as a midfielder/inside forward between 1960 and 1966, he captained the side for the latter three of those years - including leading the team in their first ever European fixture.

The Gunners had made a request to the Premier League for Mikel Arteta's team wear black armbands in remembrance for today's game at Selhurst Park, which was subsequently approved.

A tribute on the club's website yesterday read: "He will always be remembered by Arsenal fans as a wonderful talent that lit up a difficult period for the club – and will be recalled by the rest of the footballing world as a principled man who changed the game for ever. Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends."

Eastham was also an England international during his 22-year career, playing 19 times. He was also a member of the 1966 England World Cup winning squad, taking a place on the bench that day in Sir Alf Ramsey's squad.

Only the 11 players that ended the match against West Germany were awarded medals for winning the tournament, however a campaign persuaded FIFA to hand out winners' medals to Eastham and others involved in 2009.

The Football Association's statement said they are "saddened" by Eastham's passing and "our condolences go to George's family and friends".

He played for Stoke City for seven years after leaving Arsenal, with the Potters also donning black armbands for their Championship defeat to Sheffield Wednesday earlier on Saturday.

Their announcement also stated intentions to pay further tribute at their next home fixture against Leeds United on Boxing Day.