A MINUTE’S silence is due to take place at football matches across Hampshire today for the former head of the Hampshire FA found guilty of historic sex crimes against children.

Ray Barnes, pictured, was found dead in a car park outside a shopping centre on Tuesday.

Bob Purkiss, chairman of the Sydenhams Wessex League, confirmed that the silence had been called for at all Wessex League matches today.

He said: “He was a stalwart of football for 25 years. It’s a fitting recognition of someone who’s passed away and who has made that contribution.”

Barnes, who was president of the Sydenhams Wessex League at the time he was charged, was convicted earlier this month of five counts of indecently assaulting three boys. The offences took place between 1964 and 1983.

The 74-year-old married father-of-four, of Grateley Close, Weston, Southampton, who was released on bail, was due to be sentenced on January 14.

The former magistrate and special constable was the chairman of Hampshire Football Association and became a life vicepresident of the organisation.

The Sydenhams Wessex League provides competitive football for clubs in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and the armed services.