A CAMPAIGN to knight 1966 World Cup winner Jack Charlton posthumously is gaining momentum.

Jack, who also managed Ireland in two World Cups, died aged 85 on Friday after a cancer and dementia battle.

But unlike brother Sir Bobby, 82, or another 1966 teammate Sir Geoff Hurst, Big Jack was never made a Sir.

Jack's grieving brother Tommy is leading the calls for the World Cup legend to be knighted.

Heartbroken Tommy told the Daily Mirror: “He was a well-respected, well-loved Englishman.

I think a knighthood would be a fitting tribute to him after all he achieved.

“It would be the finishing touch to his life wouldn’t it?"

Labour MP Ian Lavery, whose constituency includes Jack’s north-east hometown Ashington, wants Parliament to debate the idea and says there will be a petition “very soon”.

Tory Julian Knight, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, said: “All power to Ian and The Sun for trying to get him recognised.

Jack was a giant on the pitch and in terms of Anglo-Irish relations, probably like no other figure over the last 50 years.

“I’d be happy to endorse any campaign to recognise him.”

Mr Knight said the system could be changed so Leeds star Jack could be honoured.

He added: “It would be for the family more than anyone else. Over half of the 1966 team are dead and I’d be happy for them all to be recognised in some way.”

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton, who played for Jack’s Republic of Ireland in the 1994 World Cup, said it was “an absolute disgrace” he was snubbed.

In 2016, a bid to posthumously knight 1966 skipper Bobby Moore failed despite the support of then-FA chairman Greg Dyke and MPs.

Jack was fond of shooting and fishing and ex-York mayor Dave Taylor was forced to say sorry for a Facebook post saying: “Jack ‘Bloodsports’ Charlton is dead. Good. Sick of the adulation of this animal abuser.”

It caused fury. He deleted it and said: “I’ve clearly upset a lot of people. I apologise.”

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]

Source: Read Full Article