BBC Sport presenter and Match of the Day co-host Gabby Logan had to leave Wednesday night’s Premier League highlights programme early due to a “family emergency”
Gabby Logan has posted a tribute to her late father, Terry Yorath, after his death at the age of 75.
That family announced Yorath’s death after a short illness on Thursday morning. It comes after Logan had to stop presenting Match of the Day early the previous night due to a “family emergency”.
Gabby is Yorath’s eldest daughter, with her and siblings, Louise and Jordan, saying in a statement : “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”
A statement shared by Gabby herself on Instagram read: “Rest in peace dad, our hearts are broken. Your love and legacy lives on.”
Daniel, who is Yorath’s eldest son and fourth child, died just before his 16th birthday in 1992. He collapsed in the family’s back garden while playing football with his father.
He had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but that diagnosis only came after a post-mortem examination. That is a disease which thickens the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Daniel died weeks after signing for Leeds United. Yorath played 198 times for the Whites, winning the old First Division title in 1974.
In a statement on Thursday morning, the west Yorkshire club said: “Everyone at Leeds United will remember Terry fondly on and off the pitch, and we are devastated by his passing. He will always be a club legend, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and family.”
Yorath was born in Cardiff and played 59 times for Wales. All but 17 of those appearances were as captain.
After retiring from playing, Yorath also spent six years managing his country’s national team. They reached their highest-ever FIFA ranking up to that point under him.
Wales also came close to qualifying for the 1994 World Cup with Yorath at the helm. It took until 2022 to finally achieve that feat, 64 years after their first appearance in 1958.
The Football Association of Wales have paid tribute to him. They said: “Terry Yorath will be remembered in Wales for his contribution to the game. The thoughts of everyone at the Football Association of Wales are with Terry’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Yorath went on to manage Bradford City, having previously played for the club. Their former player Dean Windass said on X: “Sad news, great man and a gentleman. Thoughts go to his family RIP.”