Liverpool Women donned black armbands during their WSL clash against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in tribute to former Red Gilly Flaherty’s father, John, and Beth Mead’s mother, June, who both passed away recently.
Liverpool returned to action after the winter break with an away match to title-chasers United on Sunday afternoon.
And the Reds confirmed in a post on social media pre-match that the team would wear black arm bands at the behest of the players, who will join both Chelsea and Arsenal in the heart-warming gesture for Flaherty and Mead.
READ MORE: Liverpool defender Gilly Flaherty announces retirement after clinching Women's Super League record
READ MORE: Opening day delight, Anfield disappointment and Conti Cup triumphs - Liverpool Women's season so far
Flaherty, holder of the WSL’s appearance record, announced her retirement from football at 31 years old on Thursday, citing the loss of her father just before Christmas.
The former Liverpool defender made 177 appearances for Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool, winning the WSL four times. She also won seven Women’s FA Cups, as well as the Women’s Champions League in 2007, and made nine appearances for the Lionesses between 2015-17.
After moving to Liverpool last summer, Flaherty usurped England legend Jill Scott in November for the WSL record appearance title. Her final appearances for the Reds arrived in a 2-0 league win against West Ham in December.
Meanwhile, England and Arsenal star Mead shared the heartbreaking news on Friday that her mum had passed away on 7 June following a brave battle against ovarian cancer.
Mead, who claimed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in December, owed her mother's cancer diagnosis in 2021 to the sensational run of form she relished over the last year, in which she led Arsenal to a runners-up finish and scooped up the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards during a triumphant Euro2022 championships for the Lionesses.
Mead was unable to play in Arsenal's London derby draw against Chelsea due to an ACL injury that has ruled her out for the remainder of the season but her teammates showed support for their injured striker with their armbands.
Win a pair of tickets to the Premier League or Women's Super League match of your choosing! Enter HERE
READ NEXT:
- Nicoline Sorensen lifts lid on Everton hope after making 'unreal' Women's Super League return
- Everton's Lucy Graham gives Brian Sorensen assessment ahead of winter break
- Gilly Flaherty lifts lid on mental health battle, Jill Scott message and Liverpool aim
Gemma Bonner returns to Liverpool in 'emotional' signing after four years away
New identity, Anfield glory and cup disappointment - Everton Women's season so far
