Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been rushed to hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
An ambulance was called to the 76-year-old Scotsman’s Cheshire home at 9am local time (noon UAE) on Saturday.
A statement from Manchester United read "Sir Alex Ferguson has undergone emergency surgery today for a brain haemorrhage.
"The procedure has gone very well but he needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery."
He was subsequently transferred to Salford Royal Hospital under police escort.
His son, Darren, current manager of League One side Doncaster Rovers, was absent from the club’s final game of the season against Wigan as the news broke.
A statement from Doncaster Rovers said "Rovers manager Darren Ferguson will not be at Saturday's game due to family reasons. Gavin Strachan will oversee the final game of the Sky Bet League One season in the manager's absence.
"Darren asks for privacy, and will provide an update through the club during the week."
The Scot spent 26 years as Manchester United manager, before retiring in 2013. During that time, he guided the club to 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles and five FA Cups.
As news of his condition spread, tributes began to pour in from legends of the game.
Manchester United player Michael Carrick tweeted "Absolutely devastated to hear about Sir Alex being unwell in hospital. All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." He added "Be strong Boss".
Whilst former England captain Gary Lineker tweeted "Very sorry to hear the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is seriously ill in hospital. Wish him all the very best."
Former Manchester United Striker Mark Hughes, who now manages Southampton told a post-match news conference "I only just got a little whisper earlier on. I was hoping it wasn't true. I wish him all the best."
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Read more
Alex Ferguson in hospital: Ex-Manchester United manager to remain in intensive care
Football unites in wishing Alex Ferguson well following emergency brain surgery
Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand retires, hails ‘genius’ Alex Ferguson
From our archives: Alex Ferguson farewell tour to make final stop at Old Trafford
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Former England manager Sam Allardyce said "It is tragic. I am going to find out how he is as soon as I possibly can. Obviously I knew it was extremely serious when I knew his son Darren didn't attend his own game at Doncaster today.
"I hope he is in good hands and I hope the operation is a major success because as a personal friend... I hope he has a full recovery."
Key recommendations
- Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
- Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
- Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
- More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
THE SPECS
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic
Power: 595bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh999,563
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
