Former Manchester United midfielder Remi Moses is alive and well, contrary to widespread but erroneous reports that the Red Devils' first black goalscorer had passed away.
How the False Reports Emerged
On Wednesday, reports originating in Greece claimed that Moses, who made 199 appearances for the Old Trafford club during the 1980s, had died. The connection to Greece stems from Moses and his wife being permanent residents of Zakynthos. The 65-year-old also had a brief coaching stint with Greek club Doxa Pigadakion in the 2020/2021 season, leading their women's team.
The misinformation appears to have been triggered by a statement from Doxa Pigadakion, which reported it was Moses' own wife who contacted them on Tuesday morning to inform them of his passing. The club subsequently issued a full tribute, even announcing that a funeral service would be held on Saturday, December 13, in Argassi.
Journalist and Family Swiftly Debunk Rumours
The rumours were quickly dispelled by Manchester-based journalist Andy Mitten, a renowned authority on the club. He took to social media platform X on Wednesday afternoon to set the record straight.
"Understand social media rumours of Remi Moses dying are not true. He's alive and well," Mitten wrote. He added, "But had he looked on social media, he'd have seen how many people absolutely loved him as a player."
Mitten's confirmation was soon reinforced by one of Moses' children, Reece Blakeley, who directly replied to the post. "I have just spoken with my brothers (his sons). Can confirm the legend is still alive and well," he stated, providing definitive family confirmation.
Club's Tribute Highlights Moses' United Legacy
The initial statement from Doxa Pigadakion, while based on incorrect information, paid warm tribute to Moses' footballing career. They described him as the player who "wrote endless kilometers in the midfield of Manchester United" in the mid-80s.
They notably highlighted his pivotal role in the 1984 European Cup Winners' Cup tie against Barcelona, where he was credited with personally limiting the influence of the legendary Diego Maradona across both legs. The club expressed its "deepest condolences" to his family before the reports were proven false.
It remains unclear exactly how the misinformation was communicated. The incident underscores the rapid spread of unverified news in the digital age, even from seemingly official sources, and the distress it can cause.
