Liverpool Women Postpone Aston Villa Clash After Matt Beard’s Tragic Passing

The football community has been struck by tragedy this weekend after the sudden death of Matt Beard, one of the most respected figures in the women’s game. Liverpool Women have announced that their scheduled Barclays Women’s Super League match against Aston Villa has been postponed, allowing players, staff, and supporters time to process the loss.

The league has also confirmed that all other WSL and Championship fixtures going ahead on Sunday will begin with a minute’s silence, giving players, coaches, and fans across the country the chance to pay tribute to Beard, who died at just 47.

Liverpool Women Postpone Aston Villa Fixture

Liverpool confirmed the decision early on Sunday morning in an emotional statement on social media, revealing that their fixture at Villa Park would not take place as planned.

“Liverpool’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa today has been postponed,” the club wrote. “Following the sudden and tragic news of the passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard, the match at Villa Park – scheduled for 12pm BST – will not take place. Details of a rearrangement will be confirmed in due course.”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow clubs, with many praising the decision as the right thing to do given Beard’s deep ties to the club and his impact on the women’s game as a whole.

WSL Confirms Minute’s Silence Across Remaining Fixtures

The Women’s Super League followed up Liverpool’s statement by confirming that all remaining Sunday fixtures would feature a moment of silence to remember Beard.

“Clubs across the Barclays WSL and Barclays WSL2 will take part in a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off at games today in memory of Matt Beard following his passing,” the league said.

This collective show of respect is a fitting gesture for a manager who left an indelible mark not just at Liverpool, but across multiple clubs in England and abroad.

Tributes Pour In From Across Football

As news of Beard’s passing spread, tributes began to pour in from across the football world. One of the first to speak out was Emma Hayes, former Chelsea manager and now head coach of the United States Women’s National Team. Hayes described Beard as “absolutely one of the best humans,” a sentiment echoed by countless players, colleagues, and supporters online.

Beard was widely regarded not only as an excellent coach but also as a mentor and friend to many in the sport. His approachable personality and passion for developing the women’s game made him one of its most beloved figures.

Matt Beard’s Lasting Legacy at Liverpool

Beard’s association with Liverpool began back in 2012, when he took charge of a team that was struggling to make an impact in the WSL. Within a year, he had transformed them into champions. Under his leadership, Liverpool Women claimed back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 — an achievement that remains one of the club’s proudest moments.

After departing in 2015, Beard managed several other clubs, including Boston Breakers in the United States and West Ham United Women, before returning to Liverpool in 2021. His second stint brought more success, as he led the Reds back to the top flight by winning the FA Women’s Championship in 2021-22.

Beard stepped down from his role at Liverpool earlier this year and briefly took charge of Burnley, leaving the club after two months in July. Burnley’s women’s fixture against West Bromwich Albion, which was also scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed in light of his passing.

A Loss Felt Across the Women’s Game

For many, Beard’s death feels personal. He wasn’t just a manager who delivered results — he was someone who cared deeply about the growth of the game and the wellbeing of his players. His work helped pave the way for the professional era of women’s football in England, inspiring a generation of players and coaches.

Supporters have been sharing memories of Beard’s time at Liverpool, including photos of him celebrating title wins and videos of him interacting warmly with fans. Social media has been flooded with messages of gratitude and heartbreak, reflecting just how many lives he touched during his career.

What Happens Next for Liverpool Women

While Liverpool’s fixture against Aston Villa will be rearranged in due course, Matt Beard’s passing understandably takes precedence over footballing matters. Gareth Taylor’s side are still scheduled to face Sunderland in the group stage of the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday, September 24, but whether that fixture goes ahead as planned remains to be confirmed.

For now, the focus remains on celebrating Beard’s life and honouring the enormous contribution he made to women’s football. Fans can expect a more formal tribute from Liverpool at their next home game, with players and staff likely to wear black armbands in his memory.

Remembering Matt Beard

Matt Beard’s legacy will endure not just in Liverpool’s trophy cabinet but in the culture he helped to build. He believed in women’s football long before it received the attention and investment it has today, and his work was instrumental in shaping its current success.

As the WSL continues its rise in popularity, Beard’s influence will continue to be felt. His name will forever be associated with Liverpool’s golden era in the early 2010s, but his impact stretches far beyond one club.

Sunday’s minute’s silence will be a moment to reflect on the man who inspired players, coaches, and fans alike — a reminder that football is about more than just results, it’s about the people who make the game what it is.