BBC pundit breaks down in tears with emotional Matt Beard tribute as TV coverage paused

BBC pundit Fara Williams received comfort from her colleagues as she delivered an emotional tribute toformer Liverpool Women's boss Matt Beard, who passed away over the weekend. The footballing community has been inundated with tributes following news of Beard's passing, aged 47.

Beard lifted the Women's Super League crown twice during his initial stint at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 - and also claimed the Women's Championship trophy in 2022. Liverpool confirmed the heart-breaking news in a statement on Saturday, describing Beard as someone who "was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club."

He departed Liverpool last summer, with numerous former players paying their respects, including Williams, who was broadcasting for the BBC on Sunday afternoon. "It's a tough day," she started.

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"I tried to speak a little bit about him on Five Live a bit earlier, it's difficult. Steph (Houghton) said it there, he meant so much to all of us. He will be missed."

At this moment, Houghton and presenter Alex Scott stopped to offer Williams comfort as they also both extended their hands to touch her arm. "Matt was a leader, he was a mentor and he was a manager. His love for the game will leave a lasting impact on the game," Scott remarked.

"Everyone at BBC sends their deepest sympathies to Matt's family, friends and his loved ones and everyone in the football community at this difficult time." Beard's wife, Deb, wrote on social media: "It's with great sadness that our beautiful Matthew Beard has passed away tonight [Saturday] at 7.28pm.

"He's a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle. He was the most amazing, caring man who was loved by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.

"All of our family kindly ask for time to grieve in peace at his loss. We will love you forever, you absolute legend."

The heart-breaking news has left the football community utterly devastated. The Women's Super League match between Liverpool and Aston Villa, which was due to take place on Sunday, was postponed.

"Everybody at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing," the league expressed in their own statement. "Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game. Rest in peace, Matt."

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