Football fans are sending prayers to former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen who is 'seriously ill' in hospital.

Liverpool announced last night that they are providing support to the family of their former captain, who won three European cups before he retired in 1991 to start a successful career as a television pundit.

There has been an outpouring of well-wishes for the 68-year-old from former team-mates, colleagues and supporters.

One fan posted: 'Really sad to hear Alan Hansen is currently very seriously ill in hospital. Wishing him a speedy recovery, my thoughts are with Alan and his family at this difficult time. If anyone can fight back from this, it's you Alan. Rooting for you pal.'

Another Liverpool fan said: 'Desperately sad news to hear one of my greatest heroes and legendary Liverpool icon is seriously ill. Praying for Alan Hansen & his family.' 

Former Livepool captain Alan Hansen (pictured against Wolves in 1983) is 'seriously ill' in hospital 

He signed the post off with 'YWNA' - an acronym for Liverpool's famous anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, which they sing at Anfield before every game. 

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BREAKING NEWS Liverpool legend and former Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen, 68, is seriously ill in hospital

A third supporter wrote: 'Fingers crossed for Alan Hansen. Quality, old school pundit.'

And another, who is a rival Man United fan, said: 'Wishing a speedy recovery to Alan Hansen who's seriously ill in hospital. He was a legend of the game. No matter your allegiances to your football teams. They go out of the window.'

In a statement last night, Liverpool said: 'The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

'The club is currently in contact with Alan's family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.

'We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen family's privacy is respected at this time.'

One supporter shared a video of Hansen smiling and signing autographs outside Anfield following Liverpool's last match under Jurgen Klopp on May 19. 

He said the ex-Liverpool defender 'was in great spirits' just three weeks ago in what was his last public appearance.

Hansen, who was known by team-mates as 'Jockey', joined Liverpool from Partick Thistle in 1977 and won three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for Liverpool.

The former Scotland defender's former Match of the Day colleague Gary Lineker wrote on X: 'Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.'

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Alan Hansen looks in high spirits in his last public appearance before falling 'seriously ill'

The BBC's Match of the Day account said: 'The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Match of the Day are with Alan and his family at this difficult time.'

Ex-team-mate John Aldridge, chairman of the former players' association Forever Reds, also sent a message of support.

'All our thoughts as ex-LFC players are with Alan (Jocky) Hansen and his family. Let's hope he can pull through his illness. ynwa,' he wrote on X.

Hansen's long-time central defensive partner and fellow Match of The Day pundit Mark Lawrenson posted on X: 'Come on Big Al-you can beat this..Love to Janet,Adam,Lucy & all the family....xx'

Hansen spent more than 20 years with the BBC as a pundit before retiring in May 2014. 

He has been married to his wife Janet since 1980 and they have two children, Adam and Lucy.