I think it depends on the circumstances of the person's/peoples death. Last night a minute applause was correct but say if we did it for Hillsborough I would say a minute silence would be better.
Either when its important , we seem to have them too often now , it will be for the death of the Directors cat next .
Sorry to say this but the minutes applause has only been introduced because people know you can't get a group of people together and for them all to show respect.
Its always for when someone has died, so always important.
Which do you prefer at a football match to remember someone who has passed away?