Ipswich Town fans pay tribute to Kevin Beattie with a minute’s applause

Former teammates during the minutes applause for Kevin Beattie ahead of the match. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

It was a poignant moment for supporters, left shocked by the sudden loss of ‘The Beat’, who died from a suspected heart attack on Sunday aged 64.

Several Town legends joined in the tribute at Portman Road, standing on the pitch and holding aloft the famous number 6 jersey which Beattie wore, as the crowd applauded the centre-back.

It is understood members of Beattie’s family were at the game, along with a number of his former team-mates.

Meanwhile, his family thanked friends and fans for their outpouring of ‘amazing love and support’ since his sudden death.

The number six shirt is laid on on the pitch in memory of Kevin Beattie ahead of the Ipswich Town v Brentford match. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world for a man once described by Sir Bobby Robson as the greatest English player he had ever seen.

Yesterday, his grieving family, including wife Maggie, issued a statement to thank everyone for their “amazing love and support at this very sad time”.

The full statement read: “Maggie, her daughters Emma, Sarah and Louise, Kev’s sister-in-law Judy, son-in-laws Stuart and Jamie and grandchildren Hannah, Josh, Keiron, Reece, Rowan, Grace, Ria and great granddaughter Ella would like to send their heartfelt thanks to their friends and Kev’s fans for their amazing love and support at this very sad time.

“Kev would have been truly humbled as are we.”

Always with a smile on his face, Kevin Beattie.

Beattie made 307 appearances for Ipswich Town, scoring 32 goals, and was an FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner. He was also PFA Young Player of the Year 1973/74 – the inaugural winner of the award.