Norman Hunter, former Leeds United and England star, dies from coronavirus

By Sara Spary, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 8:13 AM EDT, Fri April 17, 2020
Did it cross the line? With the scores between England and West Germany level at 2-2 in the 1966 World Cup final, striker Geoff Hurst's shot hit the crossbar and deflected downwards. At first a goal wasn't given, but then allowed after consultation between the referee and linesman. The game ended 4-2, securing England's first and only World Cup victory.
Geoff Hurst, 1966 —
Did it cross the line? With the scores between England and West Germany level at 2-2 in the 1966 World Cup final, striker Geoff Hurst's shot hit the crossbar and deflected downwards. At first a goal wasn't given, but then allowed after consultation between the referee and linesman. The game ended 4-2, securing England's first and only World Cup victory.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Brazil's 100th World Cup goal, celebrated wildly by Pele, who jumped into the air with joy as his side took the lead in the final against Italy. The game ended 4-1 to Brazil -- their third World Cup victory.
Pele, 1970 —
Brazil's 100th World Cup goal, celebrated wildly by Pele, who jumped into the air with joy as his side took the lead in the final against Italy. The game ended 4-1 to Brazil -- their third World Cup victory.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Dutch great Johan Cruyff scored three goals in the 1974 World Cup, twice against Argentina in the second round and then against Brazil in a 2-0 win that sent Holland through to the final.
Dutch great Johan Cruyff scored three goals in the 1974 World Cup, twice against Argentina in the second round and then against Brazil in a 2-0 win that sent Holland through to the final.
An ugly moment. German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher clattered into France's Patrick Battiston, who was through on goal, knocking him unconscious at the 1982 semifinal in Spain. Schumacher was unmoved as his opponent was stretchered off the field.
Harald Schumacher, 1982 —
An ugly moment. German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher clattered into France's Patrick Battiston, who was through on goal, knocking him unconscious at the 1982 semifinal in Spain. Schumacher was unmoved as his opponent was stretchered off the field.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
"The Hand of God" needs little introduction. England vs. Argentina, the quarterfinal of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. A mis-hit clearance was heading into the hands of goalkeeper Peter Shilton, before a leaping Diego Maradona intercepted it with his hand, punching the ball into the net. The game ended 2-1, with Argentina going on to win the World Cup.
Diego Maradona, 1986 —
"The Hand of God" needs little introduction. England vs. Argentina, the quarterfinal of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. A mis-hit clearance was heading into the hands of goalkeeper Peter Shilton, before a leaping Diego Maradona intercepted it with his hand, punching the ball into the net. The game ended 2-1, with Argentina going on to win the World Cup.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
One of the greatest ever World Cup celebrations. Roger Milla turned on the style at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which saw his Cameroon team reach the quarterfinals -- the furthest an Africa team has ever gone in the competition.
Roger Milla, 1990 —
One of the greatest ever World Cup celebrations. Roger Milla turned on the style at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which saw his Cameroon team reach the quarterfinals -- the furthest an Africa team has ever gone in the competition.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
An own-goal by Colombia's Andres Escobar had tragic consequences. Less than a week after seeing his team eliminated from the competition due to his error, Escobar was shot dead on the streets of Medellin, a murder linked to drug lords who lost huge amounts of money on the result.
Andres Escobar, 1994 —
An own-goal by Colombia's Andres Escobar had tragic consequences. Less than a week after seeing his team eliminated from the competition due to his error, Escobar was shot dead on the streets of Medellin, a murder linked to drug lords who lost huge amounts of money on the result.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A Dutch master at work ... Dennis Bergkamp stops Frank de Boer's pass dead, transferring the ball to his left foot as he twists past Argentina's Roberto Ayala. His third touch, again with his right boot, flicks it past Carlos Roa, the keeper. Three perfect touches to take the ball from a speculative punt upfield to what remains one of the ultimate moments of skill ever displayed in a World Cup.
A Dutch master at work ... Dennis Bergkamp stops Frank de Boer's pass dead, transferring the ball to his left foot as he twists past Argentina's Roberto Ayala. His third touch, again with his right boot, flicks it past Carlos Roa, the keeper. Three perfect touches to take the ball from a speculative punt upfield to what remains one of the ultimate moments of skill ever displayed in a World Cup.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A rush of blood to the head. With the 2006 World Cup final moving into extra-time, goalscorer Marco Materazzi muttered a few words to France legend Zinedine Zidane, who returned with a headbutt to the Italian's chest. In his last ever professional match, Zidane was red carded and Italy went on to win on penalties.
2006, Zinedine Zidane —
A rush of blood to the head. With the 2006 World Cup final moving into extra-time, goalscorer Marco Materazzi muttered a few words to France legend Zinedine Zidane, who returned with a headbutt to the Italian's chest. In his last ever professional match, Zidane was red carded and Italy went on to win on penalties.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Another South American -- this time Uruguayan Luis Suarez -- another handball. This one, however, was less subtle. Suarez's hands prevented Ghana from bagging a winner in extra-time. He saw red, and Asamoah Gyan's whacked the resulting penalty against the bar. Uruguay went on to win on penalties.
Luis Suarez, 2010 —
Another South American -- this time Uruguayan Luis Suarez -- another handball. This one, however, was less subtle. Suarez's hands prevented Ghana from bagging a winner in extra-time. He saw red, and Asamoah Gyan's whacked the resulting penalty against the bar. Uruguay went on to win on penalties.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
One of the biggest humiliations the World Cup has ever seen. Brazil has struggled for form throughout the tournament, which was being played on home soil for the first time in 64 years, and met an impressive German side in the semifinals. But few could have predicted what was to follow: a 7-1 demolition by the visitors, who went on to lift the World Cup trophy.
Brazil vs. Germany, 2014 —
One of the biggest humiliations the World Cup has ever seen. Brazil has struggled for form throughout the tournament, which was being played on home soil for the first time in 64 years, and met an impressive German side in the semifinals. But few could have predicted what was to follow: a 7-1 demolition by the visitors, who went on to lift the World Cup trophy.
STAFF/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
From headbutts to the 'Hand of God': 11 moments that defined the World Cup
CNN  — 

Norman Hunter, the former Leeds United footballer who was part of the winning England 1966 World Cup squad, has died at the age of 76 from the coronavirus.

Leeds United confirmed his death in a statement on Friday and said the club was “devastated” by the news.

“Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS (National Health Service) staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning,” said the club.

Norman Hunter was part of England's 1996 World Cup winning squad.
Norman Hunter was part of England's 1996 World Cup winning squad.
AMA/Corbis/Getty Images

A seminal figure in English football history, Hunter earned the nickname “Bites Yer Legs” on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender.

Norman Hunter, pictured here in 1965 playing for Leeds against Liverpool in the FA Cup final, has died after contracting the coronavirus.
Norman Hunter, pictured here in 1965 playing for Leeds against Liverpool in the FA Cup final, has died after contracting the coronavirus.
PA Images/Getty Images

READ: From headbutts to the ‘Hand of God’: 11 moments that shook the World Cup

Born in 1943 in County Durham, north east England, Hunter left school at the age of 15 to become an electrical fitter and was scouted by Leeds when playing a match for his local team, Birtley Juniors.

He played his first game for Leeds, against Swansea Town, at the age of 18 and went on to make 726 appearances for the club over a 14-year period.

Norman Hunter, pictured here in 1970, earned the nickname "Bites Yer Legs" on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender.
Norman Hunter, pictured here in 1970, earned the nickname "Bites Yer Legs" on account of his reputation as a tough tackling defender.
Peter Robinson/EMPICS/Getty Images

Hunter was part of the great Leeds teams managed by Don Revie, which won the club two top-flight titles. He was also part of the the World Cup winning squad for England in 1966, though he didn’t play in the 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final.

In 1976, Hunter left Leeds to join Bristol City and later Barnsley, which he later went on to manage along with Rotherham United.

“He leaves a huge hole in the Leeds United family,” the club added. “His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”