Pep Guardiola tears up as Man City and Man Utd fans pay emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton

A minute’s appreciation was held for Ricky Hatton (Picture: Getty)

Manchester City and Manchester United fans paid tribute to Ricky Hatton ahead of their Premier League derby following his death at the age of 46.

The former boxing world champion was found dead at his home address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning .

Hatton was a passionate Man City fan, wearing sky blue shorts and using Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career.

Follow Metro’s live blog for coverage of Ricky Hatton’s death

‘The Hitman’ even fought at the club’s home ground, the Etihad stadium, in 2008, defeating Juan Lazcano via a unanimous decision in front of a then-record 55,000 crowd.

It has been reported by the Daily Mail that he was due to attend Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad and had booked a table in a corporate hospitality area.

Paying tribute to the British sporting great, Manchester City confirmed that there would be a minute’s appreciation ahead of kick-off.

Manchester City and Manchester United hold a minute of applause for Ricky Hatton 🩵 pic.twitter.com/c9dvmqKIsI — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2025

City manager Pep Guardiola teared up during the emotional scenes at the Etihad Stadium, with fans on both sides of Manchester paying tribute to one of Britain’s greatest and most popular athletes.

‘Few, if any, British boxers can claim to have garnered such a dedicated fanbase,’ the club’s tribute read.

‘His audience were captivated by his relentless, front-foot boxing style and felt a deep connection to the humble, down-to-earth human being he had always been.

Hatton at the Etihad during Man City legend Vincent Kompany’s testimonial (Picture: Getty)

‘Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.

‘Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.’

Man Utd also issued their own tribute, saying: ‘Sending our heartfelt condolences to Ricky’s loved ones on the loss of a legend of our city.’

Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.Everyone… pic.twitter.com/6PcjliPBde — Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2025

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Man City star Phil Foden said his team hoped to win the derby for Hatton.

‘My heart goes out to his family at this time,’ the England attacking midfielder said.

‘Obviously to hear the news before a big game is devastating and I’m sure he would’ve been here today supporting us.

In 2008 Ricky Hatton fought at the Etihad Stadium (then called City of Manchester Stadium) and this is how he walked out. Legend 😢🩵 pic.twitter.com/2XsvSMcfXv — The City Ramble (@TheCityRamble) September 14, 2025

‘Today is for him and we’re going to try to get the win and do the best we can for him. We’ve got to use it as motivation.’

Former Man City and England defender turned pundit Micah Richards paid his own tribute to Hatton: ‘The news is devastating. I was taken back to be honest.

‘He is such an icon, a British icon, boxing and sport. True Man City fan but most importantly, he was a man of the people.

‘He was the nicest guy ever. I went to his gym and I was a bit nervous, I don’t know anything about boxing, he took his time [with me].

‘For him to take the time and effort. He was a deep person, very deep. The news is devastating.

‘It feels surreal. Someone so young, it is devastating.’

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane added: ‘The guy was a warrior, that’s why the fans loved watching him in that ring.

‘We know how tough that sport is but my God, he gave everything for that sport and that’s why fans followed him.

‘He had a number of fights in America and thousands would travel over because they thought highly of him and he left everything in that ring. Absolutely shocking news.’

More to follow…