A beloved Manchester City supporter who was in Spain to watch his team play has been found dead just hours before kick-off. Big Blues fan Guy Bradshaw, 35, was in the Costa Blanca ahead of City’s Champions League game against Villarreal on Tuesday night.
Along with most of the Blues’ expeditionary force, Guy chose to stay in the busy tourist town of Benidorm, some 210 miles away. Tragically, disaster struck in the early hours of Tuesday, October 21, when a friend found him dead in his bed in the apartment he was staying in.
Relatives from Wythenshawe paid heartfelt tributes to father-of-one Guy, and shocked fellow supporters also paid their condolences.
The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, but Mr Guy’s cousin Jess Bradshaw, 26, told the Manchester Evening News the family had been told there were “no suspicious circumstances”. ‘.
Jess revealed that Guy’s father Martin, 56, was planning to fly out to meet Guy for the match.
“It’s really tragic that he ended up identifying his own body instead,” Jess said.
Just a few hours ago, Guy shared a video on social media featuring Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell Hatton, in which the pair chanted, “There’s only one Ricky Hatton.” ‘.
Guy runs his own carpet cleaning company and leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter, mother Janet, twin brother Kane and younger brother Zach. Jess described her cousin as a “kind” man who “adored his daughter” and “lived for the City”.
“He was very well known in Wythenshawe and among City fans,” she said. “He was a really gentle, kind, caring person. He was never in trouble. He had no enemies. He lived for Siti and his little daughter. He adored her.”
Jess revealed his death left the whole family feeling “empty”.
“We are in complete shock because he was so young,” she said. “He was a healthy boy. The whole family is in shock.”
Ms Jess explained that the trip had been arranged at the last minute and Mr Guy had forgotten to arrange travel insurance, leaving the family facing a hefty bill to bring the body back to the UK.
A Manchester City spokesperson told X today: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of City supporter Guy Bradshaw, who tragically passed away in Spain before last night’s game against Villarreal.
“Everyone at the club sends our condolences to his family, friends and fellow fans at this difficult time. Once blue, always blue.”
Tributes poured in on social media, and a fundraising page has been set up for Guy’s family.
A friend said on X (formerly Twitter): “Rest in peace to the biggest blue ever! Guy Bradshaw followed clubs on land and sea all his life and when we were young he went through the lower leagues.”
“My heart goes out to his family, especially his young daughter. May he rest in peace.”
Expressing their sadness on Facebook, one said: “I was shocked to hear of Guy Bradshaw’s death while watching the Blues. A great player, I worked with him a few years ago and used to watch him at games. My thoughts are with you and your family friend.”
He added: “What sad news to wake up to in the morning. You followed City everywhere and just did your best. Thinking of your family.”
