Man City Issue Statement After Death of Fan Ahead of Villarreal Clash

Manchester City have released a statement confirming that a fan passed away shortly before their match against Villareal.

On Tuesday night, Manchester City continued their impressive form as they claimed a 2-0 win over La Liga side Villareal in the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Goals from star striker Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva secured the win for the visitors, taking them to fifth in the Champions League table.

Ahead of the game, reports emerged that City fan Guy Bradshaw had tragically lost his life while travelling to Spain to watch the game.

And now, the club have issued an official statement on social media confirming the heartbreaking news.

(Image: Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Posting on X, Manchester City wrote: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Guy Bradshaw, a City supporter who tragically died in Spain before the Club’s match against Villarreal last night.

"Everyone at the Club sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time.

"Once a Blue, Always a Blue."

Bradshaw, a lifelong City fan from Wythenshawe, had been in Benidorm, Spain with friends ahead of the match.

According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Bradshaw was found dead in bed by a friend at the apartment he was staying at in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Although his cause of death is not yet known, Guy's cousin Jess Bradshaw, 26, has confirmed that the family have been told there are 'no suspicious circumstances.'

Just hours before his death, a Bradshaw had posted a video on social media with Ricky Hatton's son Campbell, paying tribute to the boxing legend singing 'there's only one Ricky Hatton.'

Guy Bradshaw has tragically passed away. (Image: GoFundMe)

Following the news, a friend of Bradshaw set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise money to give him 'the send-off he deserves and to show his family just how many lives he touched.'

Jess confirmed that, as the trip had been booked last minute, Guy did not have travel insurance, meaning the family now have to pay a huge cost to have his body repatriated to the UK.

The money raised will also be used to ensure that his young daughter Ava receives support after suddenly losing her dad, with the page writing: "Guy was a devoted dad. His beautiful daughter Ava was his absolute world.

"He spoke about her with so much pride and love, and their bond was something truly special."

At the time of writing, £5,706 has been raised of the £10,000 goal.