Campbell Hatton Fights Back Tears as Manchester City Pay Emotional Tribute to Late Ricky Hatton

Manchester City paid an emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton on Saturday after the former world boxing champion died at the age of 46, with his son Campbell among family members in attendance at the Etihad. City honored Hatton, a lifelong City supporter, ahead of their home game as players wore armbands and a moment of silence accompanied a club-wide display of remembrance.

Hatton, known to boxing fans as 'The Hitman', was found dead at his Hyde, Greater Manchester home last Sunday. The death is not being treated as suspicious, police said. Mourners from across the sporting world paid tribute to the Stockport-born fighter. A family statement issued by police read: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply 'Richard', our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.'

Campbell Hatton was among those at the Etihad to watch as City unveiled a tifo depicting his late father wearing City shorts and the words: 'The people's champion.' Flowers were placed in Hatton's usual seat, and other members of his family attended as City celebrated the life of the former world champion. It was City's second home game since Hatton's death, with the preceding match a 3-0 derby win over Manchester United.

Midway through the post-match reflections, City midfielder Phil Foden said the game carried extra meaning for the players. '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. The lads gave everything. It wasn't a pretty match but it was all for him,' Foden said. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, added: 'I have been [at City] 10 years and I don't remember one [minute's appreciation] so intense like today. Thank you so much to Manchester United fans. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family feels right now. I know how incredible a Manchester City fan he was – he lived the good moments and the bad moments. The moment of silence was unbelievable, I will always remember it.'

Campbell paid his own tribute to his father, posting an emotional message on Instagram. 'Heartbroken isn't the word,' he wrote. 'Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life. Can't explain how much I'm going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever. City unveiled a tifo featuring Hatton wearing City shorts and the words: 'The people's champion.'

Hatton's family includes sisters Millie and Fearne, and Campbell is one of three siblings. Like his father, Campbell was a promising young boxer, but he retired only two months ago after an emotional period following the death of a close friend.