Manchester City dedicated their 3-0 derby victory over Manchester United to lifelong fan and former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his home on Sunday at the age of 46. The tribute included a minute's appreciation before kick-off, with an image of Hatton displayed on the Etihad Stadium screens as applause and cheers rang out.
Phil Foden, who scored the opening goal, said he had extra motivation for the match. 'It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now,' the Stockport-born midfielder told Sky Sports. 'The lads gave everything. It wasn't a pretty match but it was all for him.'
Manager Pep Guardiola praised the intensity of the tribute, thanking Manchester United fans for their participation. 'There are no words that can contain the pain that the family feels right now,' he said. 'The moment of silence was unbelievable, I will always remember it.'
Hatton, who wore sky blue shorts and used City's anthem 'Blue Moon' as his walkout song, fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium in 2008, winning by unanimous decision in front of 56,000 fans. A club statement described him as 'one of City's most loved and revered supporters'.
Police confirmed Hatton's death is not being treated as suspicious. Both sets of players wore black armbands during the match, the 197th staging of the Manchester derby.
