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Agent defends Healy flute gesture

Mon 21 Jul, 08:00 AM


David Healy's agent has defended the Northern Ireland striker after he mimicked an Orange marcher in Fulham's weekend friendly against Celtic.Healy pretended to play a flute after coming on in the second half of the 3-1 win over the Scottish champions.

The incident revived memories of a similar gesture by Paul Gascoigne when he played for Rangers in a 1998 Old Firm game.

Gascoigne's actions were viewed as provocative because Celtic's fans are usually sympathetic to the Irish nationalist cause and he was fined Ł40,000 by the Ibrox club.

But Healy's agent, Stephen Hughes, insists his client was merely responding in kind after he was targeted by the visiting supporters at Craven Cottage.

Hughes told the Daily Mail: "David has told me he was wearing boots with a Northern Ireland flag on the back.

"They had been made for him to celebrate being the leading scorer in the Euro 2008 qualification matches.

"The Celtic fans saw that and know he's a Rangers fan.

"They were chanting, 'Where were you on the 12th', which is the day of the Orange marching bands in Belfast.

"So he simply pretended to play the flute - there was no attempt to inflame the fans.

"Afterwards, some of the fans who had been giving him stick sent over programmes for him to sign which he did quite willingly."

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  1. hes a legend :)

    From Erjerewjer, on Sat 26 Jul 2:33AM

  2. So you mean to say that when Scotland play England that you donšt boo the anthem down? Gimme a break. I suppose next youŽre gonna say that you support England!

    From dr_uldenia, on Thu 24 Jul 7:53PM

  3. What???? Rangers fans booing God Save The Queen??? Now its YOU being silly.

    From duffin870, on Wed 23 Jul 10:35AM

  4. duffin870 - most Celtic fans know where their loyalties lie: to Scotland and to Ireland. That's why you can see the two flags flying above Parkhead. As for Rangers, well I'll never understand how 50,000 can churn in week in week out of Ibrox clad in British flags and yet when it comes to playing the "Auld Enemy", boo down God Save the Queen. Who were you calling confused again?

    From dr_uldenia, on Tue 22 Jul 9:11PM

  5. Just when you think the biggotry is fading, out comes another gesture of hatred, typical.

    From aldo b, on Tue 22 Jul 6:07AM

  6. healys just attracting attention to himself to wind up celtic fans the better man should walk away poor show from a professional

    From Paddy, on Mon 21 Jul 9:07PM

  7. Celtic fan Christopher, you talk about limited intelligence and then go on to spell " CONGRADULATIONS" and "THERE" ??????? Tut tut Chris, you really should do better.

    From duffin870, on Mon 21 Jul 6:44PM

  8. As a CELTIC fan, i have got to say who really cares what david healy did.
    It just shows what limited intelligence the man must have.

    Congradulations by the way must go to the rangers team on what turned out to be a most enjoyable season. (for all hoops fans).

    After dropping down from the champions league,they found there true level and nearly shocked the whole of scotland.
    They did shock all of england but then that's a different story.

    From christopher.osborne1, on Mon 21 Jul 5:05PM

  9. Didn't hear too much complaining when the "holy goalie" was up to his antics last season, hypocrisy or what? And, what is wrong with having the flag of his country - northern ireland - on his boots, this might confuse some celtic fans cos they don't know which flag is their own, is it the saltire or the irish tricolour?

    From duffin870, on Mon 21 Jul 4:26PM

  10. Theres only 1 David Healy! :) Anyway Norn Iron 33# in fifa world rankings and Republic of Ireland 41# in fifa world rankings so Norn Iron are better than the leprechauns because of David Healy

    From ryanpscott, on Mon 21 Jul 3:40PM

  11. Typical -have a go at someone then when the guy gives them it back play the sectarianism card-big big chip on the shoulder-get over it and look at yourselves first.

    From haddhuskies, on Mon 21 Jul 2:30PM

  12. ONLY 1 DAVID HEALY

    From robertmcdermott654, on Mon 21 Jul 1:11PM

  13. In much the same way as Gazza 10 years ago, we should let this one go.. The 1st time is an error of judgement - 2nd time, dubious - 3rd time, PROVOCATIVE!! Let's hope he never gets to play for the Teddy Bears, because the Celtic fans will remember this, and he could find himself in serious organic fertilizer over this! Anywas up, why are we getting so worked-up about this?? Either The Troubles are all but over, or I'm living in a parallel universe, where Martin McGuiness sat alongside Ian Paisley, making joint decisions on the devolved future of Northern Ireland!! LIGHTEN UP, GUYS!!

    From STEVIE B, on Mon 21 Jul 9:50AM

  14. Typical Orange @#$%

    From joegarrett99, on Mon 21 Jul 9:46AM
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