City pay emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton as Campbell Hatton fights back tears at Etihad

Manchester City paid an emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton at the Etihad on Saturday, in the wake of the Stockport-born former world boxing champion’s death at his Hyde home. Police said Hatton’s death was not being treated as suspicious, and mourners from across the sports world gathered to remember the two-time light-welterweight champion who remained a beloved figure in both boxing and wider sporting circles.

City’s pre-match ceremony included a large tifo showing Hatton wearing City shorts with the words The people’s champion. The display accompanied a moment of appreciation as fans rose to honor the man known for his ebullient personality and loyalty to his local clubs. Hatton’s family took seats among supporters, including his son Campbell, who was visibly moved as the tribute unfolded. Campbell helped anchor a moment of remembrance in the stands, and witnesses described him fighting back tears as images of his father appeared on the stadium screens. Campbell later shared a message on social media reflecting on the close bond they shared and the grief felt by the family. Flowers were laid in Hatton’s usual seat as more relatives and friends gathered, underscoring the impact of his passing on those closest to him.

The tifo and the stadium’s response came as City prepared for its home game in the wake of Hatton’s death, a period during which the club and supporters recognized a figure who had long been a fan favorite in Stockport and beyond. Hatton’s family was among those in attendance as City celebrated his life in a manner befitting someone who fused sporting prowess with a down-to-earth, fan-focused persona.

A family statement released through police described Hatton as more than a world champion, noting the love he shared with his family and the role he played in their lives. The note conveyed the depth of the loss felt by those who knew him best, emphasizing Hatton’s roles as a father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Hatton’s relatives, including Campbell and his sisters Millie and Fearne, were at the Etihad to pay tribute, reflecting the close-knit circle that defined Hatton’s personal life as fervently as his professional achievements.

City’s tributes extended beyond the ceremony in the stands. Midfielders and managers alike spoke of the emotional weight bearing on the club in recent days. Phil Foden said the derby preparation carried extra motivation to honor Hatton’s memory and support the affected family, noting the squad had given everything on the pitch. Manager Pep Guardiola echoed the sentiment, saying the outpouring of appreciation from Manchester United fans—during a moment of silence and in the days surrounding the tributes—was among the most intense he had witnessed in a decade with City. Guardiola added that Hatton had always been a devoted City supporter, and the respect shown was a reflection of that bond. He described the moment of silence as unforgettable and said the club would remember it for years to come.

Campbell Hatton’s own tribute to his father accompanying the public farewell resonated with many in attendance. The young boxer, who had followed in his father’s footsteps before stepping away from the ring two months ago amid emotional turmoil tied to the death of a close friend, posted an emotional message that spoke to the shared grief and the lasting influence Ricky Hatton had on his children and their peers. Campbell’s decision to retire from competitive boxing had been a quiet undercurrent in the weeks preceding the tribute, but the weekend’s events underscored the close ties between family, sport, and community in Hatton’s life.

The overnight and weekend tributes were part of a broader outpouring from the sporting world as teams, fans, and communities reflected on Hatton’s legacy. Hatton rose to global prominence as a formidable boxer who battled through weight divisions and earned a place among Britain’s most celebrated fighters. His passing at 46 will be remembered not only for the titles he won inside the ring but for the way he connected with fans, extended his support to clubs and communities, and remained a symbol of resilience and loyalty for those who followed his career.

In the days since Hatton’s death, messages of condolence and remembrances from teammates, rivals, and fans have continued to pour in. The Etihad’s tribute on Saturday offered a moment for collective reflection within Manchester’s football community, while the flotation of Hatton’s image in City shorts served as a reminder of how sport can intersect personal history with communal celebration. As Hatton’s family continues to grieve, supporters across the country will remember him for the warmth and humility that accompanied his prowess in the ring, and for the indelible mark he left on the world of sport.