LINFIELD boss David Healy has blasted the “few idiots” who took the shine off his side’s battling performance to hold Celtic to a two-goal advantage in Belfast last week.
Leigh Griffiths was pelted with missiles, including a glass bottle, when trying to take a second-half corner in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier.
Jonny Hayes was also a target for yobs as he attempted to take a set-play in the same corner.
Around 1,000 Linfield supporters will make their way to Parkhead this evening for the return leg and former Sevco Rangers player Healy is confident this time the focus will remain on the football
He said: “The disappointing thing with everything that happened on Friday is that the players didn’t get enough praise for their work ethic and the amount of effort they put into the game. It is frustrating.
“Someone asked me the question about the incidents straight from the game and I claimed that I didn’t see the incident.
“But having seen and been made aware of the incident, I didn’t want to come out and say anything, but now that two or three days have passed, it’s time for me.
“I know the club have made a statement about the idiots and it is hugely disappointing that with the amount of money that we spent and the efforts that the club make, we still have a few idiots who want to bring the club to the attention of other people.
“It is hugely disappointing as the manager of the club that because of a few idiots, the players didn’t come out with a lot more praise.
“A lot of people wanted to talk about what happened off the pitch.
“It is hugely important the 1,000 supporters or whatever who are going to be here behave themselves in an impeccable manner, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the game, enjoy the occasion and we come away talking about, hopefully, another positive Linfield performance.”
