BRIGHTON and Hove Albion’s Shane Duffy has described the past few days since the death of his father as “the toughest of my life”.

In a moving tweet, the player has also thanked well-wishers for their support. Brian Duffy, who was 53, died suddenly at his home in Derry. His funeral took place in the city on Thursday.

Shane, who also plays for the Republic of Ireland, wrote: “I just want to say thank you for all the messages and love everyone has shown towards him and our family. We all appreciate it. Now time to make him proud.”

The Argus:

Tributes and condolences poured in from fellow footballers and fans, after the defender went on social media after his father’s death, describing him as “my hero, my idol.”

Brian Duffy won the hearts of Seagulls fans, travelling to matches to watch his son play and joining chatroom discussions about the team’s performance.

Shane was one of only ten mourners allowed to attend the funeral because of coronavirus restrictions, but hundreds of people watched the service via the church’s webcam.