Man Utd fans SLAM Jake Humphrey over tasteless Rio Ferdinand 'joke' at wife’s death
FOOTBALL fans are furious at Jake Humphrey’s ill-thought joke after Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand hinted his wife’s death ended his coaching career hopes.
Posted Tuesday, November 27, 2018 by Dailystar.co.uk
Ferdinand, 40, said he would have considered coaching if not for changes in his personal life.
But Humphrey has been blasted over his less-than-human response to the comment from Rio during BT Sport's live coverage this weekend.
The England ace, also played for United, Leeds, West Ham and QPR, told the BT Sport panel: "In an ideal world I would have loved to have gone into coaching... and potentially a managerial role.
"But circumstances change for whatever reason in life and you've just got to make do with it."
Humphrey replied: "What you mean is you get well paid to sit in here and watch football... that's easier."
AWKWARD: Jake Humphrey has been slammed for a joke he tried to make with Rio Ferdinand
While it's fair to assume Humphrey did not realise Ferdinand — who is now engaged to ex-Towie star Kate Wright — was referring to his late wife, that didn't stop an outpouring of anger on Twitter including from footie legend Ian Wright, who replied with a gif that read: “What are you?”
One replied: “Think Rio may actually have been referring to the death of his wife here mate…”
Another said: “It's very hard to see any selling points to Jake Humphrey as a presenter.
"He also dropped a cheap shot on Gerrard about his slip last season yet you have to ask 'who is this guy to lament an ex player?' This towards Rio was heartless.”
A third added: “I have so much respect for Rio, how he dealt with loosing his wife in the most dignified manner, he did exactly what he had to do for his children, put them first!!
BT SPORT: Jake Humphrey made a poorly thought-out joke at Rio Ferdinand's expense
TRAGIC: Rio Ferdinand lost his first wife Rebecca Ellison to cancer in 2015
"I think these comments to him are hurtful and unnecessary.”
An angrier fan wrote: “This is absolutely appalling. What a callous thing to say to someone who had to become both mum and dad to his young family, following the tragic death of his wife.
"It's not as if it's not well known.
"BT Sport might want to have a word with him about this.”
Rio’s wife Rebecca Ellison passed away in May 2015 from breast cancer.
ENGAGED: Rio with his new flame Kate Wright
SWEET: The couple live together with Rio's three kids
The former England footballer said his “wonderful wife” passed away peacefully at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London after a short illness.
The couple, who had been together for more than 10 years, married in 2009 and have three children together.
In a statement at the time, Rio said: “My soulmate slipped away last night.
"She was a fantastic, loving mother to our three beautiful children.
"She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter.
"She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.
HEARTBREAK: Rio opened up about the terrible loss for a BBC documentary (Pic: BBC)
"Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca’s parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.
"I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden.
"Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca’s all-too-short life will not be forgotten.
"Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”
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