A Brighton and Hove Albion scarf was draped on the coffin as 250 mourners gathered for the funeral of Marie Harding.

Albion chairman Dick Knight, manager Mark McGhee, players and staff were at the Downs Crematorium in Brighton yesterday to say their farewells to Mrs Harding, who worked in the clubs ticket office.

A man has been charged with murdering Mrs Harding, 73, who died from a knife wound to the neck after she was attacked as she walked in a lane near her home in Highdown, Southwick, on September 15.

Father Peter Clegg kissed the coffin before Mrs Hardings granddaughter Natty read a poem: Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there.

A wreath of red roses from Mrs Hardings husband Jim, 73, rested on the coffin as Fr Clegg spoke of the pain, indignation, anger, resentment and despair felt over Mrs Hardings death.

He said: All these feelings are very natural when confronted with such a callous act.

But, if those feelings are not addressed, they lead to hatred and then bitterness and that affects the family, friends and the community.

It will consume all. Bitterness corrodes the soul and leads to torment.

For an antidote, take a leaf out of Maries book and from husband Jim, Andy, Julie and the two grandchildren.

I went to see them just the other day and they were quietly coming to terms with things. There was an air of peace about them.

Fr Clegg said the family were grateful to the police for the delicate way they dealt with such a difficult situation.

He said Brighton and Hove Albion FC had been absolutely brilliant and praised friends, neighbours and all the family.

Thankfulness, understanding, support, care, peace and love are the words that act as an antidote for the unbridled evil, for that is what it was.

Fr Clegg told how Mrs Harding had been born in Shoreham and had five sisters and a brother.

She met her husband 50 years ago at a youth club in Shoreham.

He said: Marie spent her whole life working for people and the community.

She loved her sport and, at one time, represented Sussex in the high jump. She loved holidays, travelling and loved her football.

Mrs Harding was honorary treasurer of Southwick Townswomens Guild, a volunteer at Southlands Hospital and was known as the old lady in the attic because she worked upstairs at the Albion ticket office.

The congregation stood in silence for the song Youll Never Walk Alone.

Fr Clegg prayed for Mrs Hardings family and asked: Do not let our pain turn to bitterness that will devour us and kill us.

He spoke of how Mrs Harding had been robbed of her life and how her family had been robbed of her.

He also prayed for the police and those in the care industry.

The service ended with the organ playing Albions anthem Sussex By The Sea, something Dick Knight said afterwards would have made Marie very proud of her family.

He said: It was a very touching service and the numbers here today demonstrated how much love there was for Marie.

She was marvellous and I will never forget the way she always greeted me with Morning, Mr Chairman and a huge smile.

This is such a sad loss.

Albion players John Piercey and Chris McPhee, club staff, fans representatives and Sussex Police officers attended.

There was a wreath from the Albion in the shape of a football and one from Sainsburys staff in West Hove.

Another was made of yellow and black flowers in the shape of a smiling face.

It was from her young granddaughter Natty, who wrote: Im going to make you proud of me and hope you will watch over me in heaven.

Love for ever and ever.