Manchester City dedicated their 3-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United to lifelong fan and former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his home on Sunday at the age of 46. The win, secured at the Etihad Stadium, was marked by an emotional minute's applause before kick-off, with both sets of supporters joining in.
Phil Foden, who scored the opening goal, dedicated the performance to Hatton. 'One hundred per cent I had extra motivation going into the game. It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now,' Foden told Sky Sports. 'The lads gave everything. It wasn’t a pretty match but it was all for him.'
Manager Pep Guardiola praised the atmosphere during the tribute, calling it the most intense he has witnessed in his decade at the club. '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, a lifelong City supporter, used the club's anthem 'Blue Moon' as his walkout song and wore sky blue shorts throughout his career. In 2008, he fulfilled a dream by fighting Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium, defeating the Mexican by unanimous decision in front of 56,000 fans. A club statement described Hatton as 'one of City’s most loved and revered supporters'.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Hatton's death is not being treated as suspicious. Guardiola added: 'It was tough news to wake up to. Of course he had success and was world champion, but it’s the loss for his family, his kids – he was a grandad. It’s so tough for everyone.'
