Gordon Banks: No one has apologised over fake death story
Friday 1 December 2017 11:26, UK
Gordon Banks was left angry by the fake news story which incorrectly reported his death during October and left his great grandson in tears.
The 79-year-old, who was England's goalkeeper when they won the World Cup in 1966, described the incident as "a disgrace".
It was falsely reported that Banks had died at his Sheffield home in October.
But Banks, who is currently in Moscow for Friday's World Cup draw, told reporters: "I couldn't believe it. I didn't see it but somebody just phoned the house asking my family about me.
"It was a disgrace. I just could not believe anybody would think of doing something like that. It's absolutely ridiculous.
"My great grandson saw it at school. One of the children told him and he couldn't stop crying. He was crying all day at school.
"What a thing to happen. It was disgusting. Nobody has apologised."
Six-time FIFA goalkeeper of the year Banks is still receiving treatment for kidney cancer, which was diagnosed in 2015.
However, he said he is "battling away" and looked in good health during a pre-draw event at the Kremlin on Thursday.
The hoax report was particularly upsetting for Banks as it contained a made-up quote from his wife Ursula and was widely shared on social media at the time.
Banks played for Leicester City and Stoke City with whom he won a League Cup medal in 1972.
He also featured in two losing FA Cup finals with the Foxes, but is best known for his exploits with the national team at the World Cups of 1966 and 1970.
