Peter Whittingham – An apology

Yesterday, I wrote a story on this website in tribute to the former Cardiff City player Peter Whittingham.

I had been told – from a very reliable source connected to Peter – that he had tragically passed away at the age of 35. It has since been confirmed to me that Peter is not dead, but continues to fight for his life in hospital. It is a battle I’m sure that every Cardiff City fan is praying he will win.

In recognition of my mistake I would like to extend my most sincere and deepest apology to Peter, his family, friends and all supporters of the clubs he represented.

It was an error on my part not to get this information verified by more sources closer to the Whittingham family – a mistake that I’m very aware is the most serious and grave error I’ve made in all my decades in journalism.

Peter Whittingham was a very special footballer and my instinct was to pay tribute to that talent, based on information that I’m now very happy to say was inaccurate.

I would like to wish Peter and his family all the very best for the future.

Terry Phillips.