Scumbags gone banannas shame Limerick

[Doozer]

GARDAI are confident CCTV footage will help identify the spectator who allegedly threw a banana on to the pitch during Limerick FC's glamour friendly against Manchester City on Sunday night.

The reputation of last year's European City of Sport took a blow after defender and French international Gael Clichy revealed his upset at the incident.

Officials from Limerick FC and Thomond Park, which staged the game, moved swiftly to investigate.

A statement released yesterday on behalf of the club and the stadium said: "Limerick FC officials met with Thomond Park officials and local gardai this afternoon to continue attempts to identify a person who threw an offensive object on to the playing field during.

"An incident of this nature is completely unacceptable and is fully condemned by Limerick FC and Thomond Park.

Upsetting

"CCTV footage is still being analysed, and when the offending party is identified, appropriate action will be taken.

"It is deeply upsetting that the actions of one individual have soured the experience for all those in attendance."

Chief Supt David Sheahan of Henry Street garda station in Limerick said last night: "We've secured CCTV footage but we don't have any complaint.

"Without a complaint there is no investigation."

However, sources said gardai were confident of identifying the person who is said to have thrown the banana from a tiered standing area about 15 metres to the right of where the Manchester City team and management were sitting during the match.

Mr Sheahan also said he had "heard rumours that vile racist language was also directed at a number of black Manchester City players" but there was as yet no evidence.

The investigation was launched after Clichy drew attention to the issue via his Twitter account.

He tweeted: "How sad to see 'bananas thrown on the pitch' tonight... Knowing people around the world need food. #nowordsforthis."

It is understood Clichy did not tell City officials after the game, which the visitors won 4-0, and no complaint was made by the Barclays Premier League club.

However, the organisers reacted immediately and vowed to deal with the perpetrator.

An earlier statement said: "Any individual identified as being involved in an incident of this nature will be banned from future attendance and the matter will be handed over to the gardai.

"All those involved with the friendly game fully condemn all forms of unacceptable behaviour of this nature."

Yesterday, one tweeter replied to Clichy's twitter allegation by apologising to him "on behalf of the people of Ireland".

Another regretted there were "...some vile people in Limerick" and begged Clichy: "Don't let this spoil your impression of Ireland, please."

Politicians representing the city were furious.

Former mayor Joe Leddin said: "I'm disappointed, as someone who is involved in actively encouraging people into the city.

"It's very regretful, but I'd like to think, if it's true, that it's a one-off. I don't recall any incident like it before.

"It leaves a sour taste in the mouth of the player and probably the Manchester City team. If it's true, it was a stupid thing to do.

The match was expected to generate €6m for the mid-west economy through sport tourism, hotel bed nights and increased trade in restaurants and bars.

More than 20,000 people watched the game at Thomond Park, and Manchester City TV showed it live, as did Setanta Sports and Saudi Arabian TV.

The incident came to light only a day after Newcastle United asked Dutch club Den Haag to investigate reports that sections of their fans racially abused players during Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw in Holland.