Sir Kenny Dalglish has revealed he is receiving treatment for cancer - and the public only knows because his phone apparently has a mind of its own. The Liverpool legend, 75, confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday after inadvertently posting about his treatment earlier in the day, proving once again that autocorrect and accidental taps have no respect for privacy.
Liverpool FC swiftly issued a statement: “The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family.” Dalglish, in a statement that somehow managed to be both apologetic and slyly humorous, wrote: “As my inadvertent social media post has indicated, I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Unlike my mobile phone use, the treatment is going well. Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.” He added, with the resigned dignity of a man who has faced down defenders and now a touchscreen: “Obviously I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected. As ever, thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others. They are a credit to themselves.”
Liverpool have requested privacy for Dalglish as he continues treatment. The Scot, who started his playing career with Celtic and also managed Blackburn Rovers (leading them to the Premier League title in 1995) and Newcastle, is widely considered Liverpool’s greatest player and is revered not only for his talent but for his leadership in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
In a coincidental but timely reminder that cancer does not discriminate by footballing legend status, another Liverpool icon, John Barnes, revealed Tuesday he has had his prostate removed after a cancer diagnosis but is now “fine”. The 62-year-old told Times Radio: “Not many people know and it’s a bit of a taboo subject because we support women with breast cancer and it’s not even an issue. I’m fine. I have my PSA [test] and everything is OK. A lot of men don’t want to admit it or want to have it done because it makes them feel less of a man. Men have to bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems.”