Scotland icon Alan Hansen ‘seriously ill in hospital’, former club reveals

FANS were praying for Scotland legend Alan Hansen after it emerged the ex- Match of the Day pundit was seriously ill.

Former club Liverpool confirmed the iconic defender, 68, was in hospital.

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Messages of support from football and TV pals flooded in as Hansen lay seriously ill in hospital.

The former star played 620 times in a glittering 14-year Anfield career — with a trophy haul including three European Cups and eight league titles. He joined in 1977 aged 21 from Partick Thistle.

The Anfield club said: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

“The club is in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.

“We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course.”

A classy centre-back, Hansen was Reds captain for four years and also won 26 caps for Scotland, including at the 1982 World Cup.

Former international and Jags team-mate Alan Rough, 72, said: “He is a great guy. Everyone has seen him on the television and that is just how he is.

“He is upfront and straight talking. Everyone has everything crossed that he pulls through and recovers.”

The star’s former Liverpool and Scotland team-mate David Speedie tweeted: “Really sad to hear Alan Hansen is currently very seriously ill in hospital.

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“Wishing him a speedy recovery, my thoughts are with Alan and his family at this difficult time.

“If anyone can fight back from this, it’s you Alan. Rooting for you pal.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said on X/Twitter: “Horrendous news.

“Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”

After retiring in 1991, Hansen moved into punditry with Sky and BBC radio before switching to Match of the Day, where he was a mainstay for 22 years.

He retired as a pundit on the flagship Saturday night highlights programme in 2014, after it was revealed he had suffered from crippling nerves on the show.

Since then, he had rarely been seen in public. He married wife Janet in 1980 and the couple have a son and a daughter.

Hansen was also part of the Liverpool team when disaster struck at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough and regularly offered his support to the families of the victims in their fight for justice.

Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew was one of the 97 fans killed in the terrace crush, tweeted: “I’m so saddened to hear that #AlanHansen @LFC has been taken seriously ill. My prayers & thoughts are with Alan & his family.

“Alan was always so lovely & kind to my parents & I.”

Hansen was admired for his knowledge of the game — but famously warned Manchester United in 1995 “You can’t win anything with kids” before their team packed with young stars won the Prem and FA Cup double that season.