Manchester United players will wear black armbands today (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United are wearing black armbands in their Premier League fixture against Southampton this afternoon in tribute to supporter Ian Stirling, who has died at the age of 57.
Stirling was a founding member of the United Fans’ Advisory Board and was the liason officer for Manchester United Supporters’ Trust [M.U.S.T].
In his role championing supporters’ rights, Stirling was a regular member of the J Stand and was instrumental in the club’s decision to reintroduce safe standing.
Thousands of condolences have been posted online since the news of Stirling’s death emerged, with supporters thanking him for all that he’s done to help fans connect with the club.
United’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, says the club are ‘deeply saddened’ by the passing.
‘This is truly devastating news for all of us at the club who knew and worked with Ian. He was a towering figure within our fan community, loved and respected in equal measure,’ said Richard Arnold, United’s chief executive.
‘Ian was a relentless and unflinching advocate for the interests of fans, particularly match-goers, and we highly-valued the plain-speaking advice he provided. We send our sincere condolences to his wife, Lynn, daughter Lucy, and other loved ones.’
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A statement from M.U.S.T paid tribute to Stirling as a man and a supporter.
‘Everyone at MUST is heartbroken at the news that Ian Stirling, our much loved friend and colleague, has passed away,’ a statement read.
‘Ian was a truly great man. Warm, compassionate, generous and funny. As his closest friends and family will confirm, no-one enjoyed a joke more than Ian, and there are few in our fanbase who have inspired such widespread affection and respect.
‘For many years he has been at the heart of championing fans’ interests. He served as our Independent Supporter Liaison Officer directly helping countless fans in their dealings with the Club and other football authorities but his reach went far beyond that. He also served as our representative on the Fans Forum, making the supporters’ case firmly and consistently. His stature with the club was such that in latter years he was asked to join the Fans Advisory Board where he spoke truth to power representing the interests of fans and our football club at the highest levels. It really is impossible to think of another United supporter who has done so much for his fellow fans.
‘The tributes to Ian have been flooding in from all over the world. We can’t really imagine our organisation without him but through the tears and emotion of today we are determined to continue his work to create a truly fitting legacy.
‘Away from football Ian was a devoted husband and father and we send our love to his wife, Lynn, and his daughter, Lucy and his many friends in Salford and Manchester and all around the world.’
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Sad news.