Could be that is was pre Diana when we were all about the stiff upper lip. It could also be that no-one thought about it at that time, were 'Kick it Out' going at that time? It may just be that he was the higest profile of those you mentioned and the attention he got from the terraces was higher...
If any of those confused have not read this article written by one of our own I suggest you do.
If you are still confused about why he deserves a minutes applause, try one of the many other articles. If you are still not sure or come to the conclusion that it is driven by political correctness...