Liverpool star Conor Bradley is mourning the death of his father.
Joe Bradley passed away on Saturday morning. He was 58 and had been ill for some time.
The news emerged on Saturday afternoon – three days after the Tyrone-born defender’s player of the match performance against Chelsea.
Mr Bradley was a businessman who ran Derg Commercials.
Liverpool FC said it was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Conor and all of the Bradley family at this very difficult and sad time,” the club said.
“On behalf of Conor, LFC strongly urges that the family’s privacy is fully respected at this time.”
Bradley previously played at Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts.
Dungannon boss Rodney McAree said the 20-year-old’s father and mother, Linda, were a big part of making him the talent that he is.
“For Conor, going from the highs where he has been – making his league debut, scoring his first goal and assisting so many goals – to the devastating news that we heard today is very difficult,” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Conor, his mother Linda and the family.
“It is an awfully sad time for Conor and his family and they are in our thoughts.
“His mum and dad have given Conor really sound advice over the years.
“Conor is a strong boy but to lose your father can’t be easy, so we are thinking of him and Linda at this stage.”
The Northern Ireland football team’s social media account said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Conor Bradley’s father today.
“Our thoughts are with Conor and his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Liverpool fans’ group Anfield Edition sent its condolences.
It said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Conor”, adding: “At least Conor Bradley’s dad got to see him on the main stage, scoring at Anfield in a Premier League game. He saw you achieve your dreams, Conor.”
Liverpool play Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow afternoon in the Premier League.
The Reds travelled to London earlier today, ahead of the game.
Any decision over Bradley’s involvement will be left to the player himself, it is understood.
Bradley, who has broken into the Liverpool first team in recent months, is originally from Aghyaran in west Tyrone.
He is the first Northern Ireland-born player in 70 years to score for Liverpool in England’s top flight.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called him a “such a good footballer”.
On Wednesday night, Bradley had starred in Liverpool’s 4-1 win against Chelsea at Anfield.
He scored his first Reds’ goal, as well as providing two assists.
“It’s a very proud moment, something I dreamed of for a long time,” Bradley told TNT Sports afterwards. “It feels like I’m in a dream. It’s unbelievable.
“I just couldn’t believe it went in. I didn’t know what to do. I went over to the corner and did a knee slide. It was brilliant.”
His manager Klopp said: “What a wonderful kid he is.
“Outstanding finish, the whole game, the contribution, the involvement. It’s a job to play against [Raheem] Sterling, that’s not easy. I’m really happy for him.
“He’s a very serious young man and that was pretty special I have to say. We saw in pre-season. He is really doing well.”
