Liam Gallagher sent off Ricky Hatton with a kiss aimed at his sky-blue coffin

Liam arrived at Manchester Cathedral dressed entirely in black, accompanied by his partner Debbie Gwyther, 41, and family members.

He joined Stone Roses bassist Mani and a host of Manchester greats to pay respects to the former world champion, who died last month at his home in Hyde aged 46.

During the service, Oasis' anthemic Live Forever echoed through the cathedral - a song long been associated with Ricky's career and his fanbase.

As the ceremony came to a close, Liam blew a kiss towards the blue coffin, emblazoned with the words 'Blue Moon', before it began its final journey to the Etihad Stadium, home of Ricky's beloved Manchester City.

Among the other famous faces attending the service were Shaun Ryder, Mark 'Bez' Berry, comedian Paddy McGuinness and cricketer Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff - as well as nightclub owner Wayne Lineker and boxing champions Tyson Fury, Anthony Crolla, Amir Khan, Frazer Clarke, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Tony Bellew.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen were also among the mourners.

Following Ricky's death, Liam paid tribute on social media, posting on X: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON. It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts. RIP CHAMP. LIVE FOREVER. LG x."

That same sentiment carried over to Oasis's Wembley Stadium shows last month - their first UK performances since Ricky's death - where a giant image of the boxer was displayed as the band performed Live Forever.

Wembley's official social media account later shared a photo of the tribute, captioned: "For Ricky (blue heart emoji.)"

Ricky had been a devoted Oasis fan and a close friend of both Gallagher brothers.

He famously walked to the ring at Las Vegas's MGM Grand in 2008 for his victory over Paulie Malignaggi while Oasis' music played, with Liam and his brother Noel, 58, carrying his championship belts alongside him.

The boxer had attended Oasis' Heaton Park and Dublin gigs weeks before his death.

In comments made last month, Noel Gallagher, said he had been in touch with Ricky shortly beforehand.

He told TalkSport: "We were texting each other last week.

"And I saw him at Heaton Park a couple of the nights, and he was on standard Ricky form. He was wisecracking with everyone, he was having a drink, he was great.

"We don't know what has happened, but he did struggle with mental health, that's widely known, and it just shows you that you never really know. It's such a shame. He's a great Mancunian."

Noel added: "He was a lovely, lovely lad. One of the lads. He was one of us. It's sad we'll never see him at the Etihad again, but that's life, isn't it."