Warning: Sensitive Content – The BBC apologises for how it handled the publication of details from the coroner’s court on the death of Matt Beard, former female Liverpool manager
The BBC has issued an apology for how it reported details of Matt Beard’s death. The former female Liverpool manager was found dead at her home last month after taking her life.
In a story uploaded to the BBC Sport website on Monday, September 29th, the publication provided details on how Beard died, based on the coroner’s hearing, based on the story’s headings and text. This article was sent as a push notification to users of sites with 8.5 million active accounts each week.
In a statement, the BBC said: “It was not appropriate to include specific details of Matt Beard’s tragic death in recent headlines, and we will push a report of the coroner’s court hearing notice.
read more: Matt Beard’s cause was confirmed after former Liverpool manager, 47, was found at homeread more: Matt Beard’s heartbreaking wife and children receive massive financial support when the TV star helps
The BBC’s own editorial policy states, “Unless editorially justified, “references to suicide are in the headline.”
This comes after Coroner John Griffith shared details of Heard’s death at the age of 47 at the Coroner’s Court hearing on Monday. There he said that he was called to his Deeside home in Flintshire before the paramedics were rushed to the hospital, but sadly passed away at 9:15pm on Saturday, September 20th.
Respect for Beard has flooded the entire world of football for the former manager who had a stint alongside Liverpool, West Ham and Chelsea. Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed prior to kickoff of all WSL and WSL2 fixtures on Sunday, September 21, but the match against Liverpool’s Aston Villa was cancelled.
Among the tributes to the coach were several from his grieving son, Harry. He took the pair to social media to share photos together, writing, “Love Dad, 78-25. I’ll always miss you,” but another upload featured a photo of him holding his father’s hand.
Another video Harry uploaded said, “Even when my beard doesn’t laugh, I never failed to make me laugh. He always said, “I think I can make you smile.”
Liverpool FC also issued a statement after Beard passed away. “Everyone at the club is thinking with Matt’s family and friends during this devastating time. Matt was not only a very dedicated and successful manager, but also a man of true integrity and warmth in which everyone who worked at the club remembered pure love.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Mark Skinner is called the “icon” and is called the “icon” as English legend Farrah Williams described how he had “something and pure in spirit.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritan operates a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
