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

SCOTLAND icon Alan Hansen is seriously ill in hospital.

His former club Liverpool is providing support to the family of the 68-year-old, who retired in 1991 to start a successful career as a television pundit.

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

“The club is currently 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, and we request that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Hansen, 68, was a part of the famous Reds side that swept all before them in the late 1970s and 1980s.

The former Partick Thistle ace also won 26 Scotland caps and played at the 1982 World Cup.

Support arrived from all corners of the world of football, all hoping Hansen can pull through.

Derby rivals Everton wrote on X: “Get well soon, Alan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.”

Gary Lineker wrote: “Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett added: “Sorry to learn that Liverpool’s Alan Hansen is currently in intensive care.

“Such a wonderful player and a delight to referee.

“I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

While former Pool defender turned media pundit Jamie Carragher posted a fingers crossed emoji with a heart.

Hansen joined Thistle as a teenager and helped the Firhill side win the First Division in 1976.

His form caught the attention of Liverpool boss Bob Paisley who paid £100,000 to take him to Anfield in 1977.

A year later and he was a European champion, part of the defence that shut out Club Brugge in the European Cup final, with fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish scoring the only goal.

It was the first of three such successes, with Hansen also going on to lift the trophy in 1981 and 1984.

Liverpool were also the dominant force in English football at that time, a fact reflected in the number of medals collected by Hansen as a key figure of the squad: eight league titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and six Charity Shields.

It wasn’t long before international recognition arrived too, with Hansen making his Scotland debut in May 1979 against Wales while his second cap saw him marking Diego Maradona in a friendly win over Argentina.

He was part of the Scotland squad that competed in the 1982 World Cup in Spain but was controversially omitted from the 1986 edition by caretaker boss Alex Ferguson.

He won the last of his Scotland caps in 1987 and retired from football in 1991.

Hansen moved into the media after hanging up his boots and became familiar to a whole new audience as a pundit on Match of the Day.

More to follow.