Sir Alex Ferguson’s thoughtful gesture remembered as John Virgo passes
Ken Doherty, the veteran snooker player and BBC pundit, has shared a remarkable story about Sir Alex Ferguson’s kindness towards the late John Virgo ahead of Manchester United’s legendary 1999 Champions League final, reports BritPanorama.
Virgo, who passed away in February at the age of 79, was cherished in the world of snooker. His devotion to Manchester United was equally renowned, often spotlighted during his appearances at Old Trafford, including a memorable penalty kick challenge in 1993.
Ferguson recounted the tale to Doherty while they watched United’s defeat against Leeds United. The gesture occurred just before United’s treble-clinching victory over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou, illustrating the bond between the club and its passionate supporters.
On the day of the final, Ferguson noticed Virgo outside the team hotel. In a spontaneous act of generosity, he invited the snooker commentator to join the team on their coach, allowing him to meet players like David Beckham and Gary Neville. For a lifelong supporter, this provided an unforgettable experience prior to such a momentous match.
Virgo’s fondness for Manchester United was clear, and he often articulated his joy of being a supporter. Reflecting on that night in Barcelona, he later recalled, “I was in the Camp Nou, when we won the Treble in 1999. Losing 1-0, I thought ‘well, this is it, another near miss’. Then we scored and I thought ‘at least we’ve got extra-time to win it’. Then we scored again!” This was a pivotal game, with Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both scoring in injury time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
At Virgo’s memorial service, attended by numerous snooker stars, Doherty praised his friend’s storytelling ability. He noted, “The way he could draw a listener in, tell a story and build the drama, that’s an art in itself.”
Virgo’s legacy in both snooker and football demonstrates the profound connections forged through that passion. His story stands as a poignant reminder of how sports can resonate with personal experience.
