The football world was left devastated by the sudden passing of former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard, a man who twice led the Reds to Women’s Super League glory. His death not only brought grief and reflection but also sparked a storm of criticism over how the news was reported.

The BBC, one of the most influential broadcasters in the world, found itself at the centre of the backlash after publishing details about Beard’s death that many described as “insensitive” and “harmful.”

For Liverpool fans, Beard was more than a coach—he was a pioneer. His leadership in 2013 and 2014 gave the women’s side back-to-back league titles at a time when the women’s game was still fighting for recognition. Former players and supporters remember him as a mentor, motivator, and key figure in shaping modern women’s football.

But behind the success, Beard’s personal struggles remained hidden. After brief spells managing West Ham, clubs in the U.S., and most recently Burnley Women, Beard stepped away from his latest role only months before his tragic passing in Chester on September 20, 2025. Authorities later confirmed that he had taken his own life.

Tributes poured in worldwide—Liverpool Women called him “a history-maker,” while ex-players remembered his compassion and belief in them. Yet, mourning soon turned into outrage.

On September 30, the BBC pushed a headline and mobile notification that revealed the method of Beard’s death. Suicide-prevention guidelines, including those from the Samaritans, explicitly warn against sharing such details because of the risk of triggering vulnerable individuals or prompting copycat incidents.

The backlash was immediate. Media professionals and mental health advocates condemned the report, calling it reckless and deeply distressing. Becky Taylor-Gill, a freelance sports producer, wrote on X: “Shocked and saddened by the BBC’s reporting around Matt Beard’s death. It cannot be overstated how dangerous and negligent it was to send that detail as a push notification.”

Under mounting pressure, the BBC issued an apology the following day:

> “It was not appropriate to include specific details of Matt Beard’s tragic death in a recent headline and push notification. We sincerely apologise for the distress this caused and will ensure future coverage of sensitive issues follows best-practice guidelines.”

While the apology acknowledged the mistake, critics argued the damage had already been done. The broadcaster’s own editorial rules advise against mentioning suicide in headlines unless absolutely necessary—guidelines that were clearly overlooked in this case.

Beyond the media controversy, Beard’s death has reignited calls for stronger mental health support within football. Managers and players operate under relentless pressure, often with little support for the emotional toll the game takes. Many have urged clubs to invest as heavily in mental well-being as they do in transfers and training.

Beard’s legacy is therefore twofold: his role in lifting women’s football to new heights, and the urgent reminder that the human side of the game must never be forgotten.

The football world will remember his triumphs and mourn his struggles. And journalism, through this painful lesson, has been reminded of its responsibility—not just to inform, but to protect and respect.

Matt Beard’s story will always live on at Liverpool and beyond—not just in trophies, but in the countless lives he touched on and off the pitch.