The passing of Sir Alex Ferguson’s wife Cathy has been marked with an outpouring of tributes following an emotional statement released by the family
Arsenal and Man Utd players both wore black armbands during the WSL clash
Manchester United and Arsenal showed their respect to the late Lady Cathy Ferguson during their Women’s Super League clash on Friday evening with a touching gesture ahead of kick-off.
Lady Cathy’s passing was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ferguson family on Friday afternoon. A major influence and unrivalled confidant of Sir Alex during his 26 years at Old Trafford and beyond, Lady Cathy’s passing at the age of 84 has been met with an outpouring of tributes.
Cathy and Sir Alex had three sons, including Peterborough United manager Darren, Mark and Jason, and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The couple met in 1964 and married two years later, spending 57 years as husband and wife.
The Ferguson family’s statement read: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing yesterday [Thursday] of Lady Cathy Ferguson, survived by her husband, three sons, two sisters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family asks for privacy at this time.”
And ahead of United’s WSL match against Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village, both sides wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the passing of Lady Cathy. The tribute from the women’s side arrives after the flags at Old Trafford were lowered to half-mast.
Manchester United’s official club account issued a statement paying tribute to Cathy and her family earlier in the day. The statement read: “Everyone at Manchester United extends their sincere condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following the death of Lady Cathy.
“Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a pillar to Sir Alex throughout his career.”
Sir Alex Ferguson’s beloved wife Cathy has passed away aged 84 (
Image:
Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)
Friday evening marked a highly-anticipated heavyweight clash between title rivals Man Utd and Arsenal, the latter of whom were pipped to the second-place spot last season by United.
Mark Skinner’s side began their domestic season with a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa courtesy of Rachel William’s injury-time winner. Skinner is without last season’s striking taliswoman Alessia Russo, who departed the club in the summer following the expiry of her contract and signed for league rivals Arsenal.
Last season, United emerged victorious in both league encounters against the Gunners, with Russo supplying decisive goals in both.
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