Newcastle United’s former chief executive is understood to have been diagnosed with the asbestos-related lung cancer mesothelioma, but has also picked up an infection.
Doctors at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary have been treating the 71-year-old for more than a week.
His daughter, Judith Fourie, 37, said: “My dad had surgery last week, but he’s picked up a really bad infection.
“He’s in hospital fighting that, and he’s going to have further tests.
“I appreciate there is a lot of good feeling and warm wishes.”
He was made chief executive in 1991, and I personally, had many conversations with the former Glasgow Rangers, including on two special evenings in Italy when we travelled to Luccase and Bari for Anglo-Italian games.
Always a gentleman, and a joy to be with, I wish him the very best of luck.
Sir John Hall: “Everybody is fully behind Freddie.
“It’s a difficult time for him, but he knows he has the support of everyone.”
“We are devastated by the news, but everyone who knows him knows he’s a fighter and we are all behind him.”