THE QUEUE GETS LONGER

Last updated : 08 September 2002 By Editor

From The Observer:

A former leading figure in Sinn Fein and ex-League of Ireland football chairman has offered to back Belfast side Linfield in any libel action against Roy Keane.

Linfield, which is supported mainly by Ulster Protestants, is furious over claims by the Manchester United star that they did not sign a Catholic until shortly before the 1993 World Cup qualifier between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

But Phil Flynn, who was chairman of Dundalk Football Club until three years ago, told The Observer that he is prepared to stand up in court and defend Linfield against Keane's charges of religious bigotry.

However Flynn, who co-founded a cross-border anti-sectarian soccer initiative with Linfield several years ago, said Keane's claims had to be challenged. Asked if he would give evidence in Linfield's favour, Flynn said: 'Absolutely, there is no question about that. I have a very high regard for the administrators and the fans at Linfield and the truth is the truth: the club has made enormous efforts to build bridges.'

'Linfield, along with Dundalk, have brought together hundreds of Catholic and Protestant kids at junior level. Unfortunately all the good work being done by clubs like Linfield and Dundalk could be undermined by what Keane says in the book.'

Linfield chairman Billy McCoubrey described Keane's allegations as 'outrageous and unfounded', pointing out that the club had Catholic players as far back as the 1940s and 1950s.

He said that the black player Keane mentions - Tony Coly - had been treated 'like an idol'. McCoubrey said Coly had actually been signed in 1988 - five years before the game Keane refers to.

Keane is due in Northern Ireland tomorrow to promote his autobiography at Easons' store in central Belfast