Irish Premiership: David Healy right to call out ‘vile’ abuse – Roy McGivern

Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said that manager David Healy was “absolutely right” to call out the “personal” and “vile” abuse directed towards him in recent weeks.

Healy told the Belfast Telegraph, external that the abuse he, his players and staff received from Blues supporters in Windsor Park and online in the aftermath of their 3-0 defeat by Ballymena United on the opening day of the Irish Premiership season was “nothing short of disgraceful”.

McGivern stressed that while Blues supporters had the right to air their frustrations with performances on the pitch, they should not cross the line when it comes to abusing the manager and players.

“I’ve met with David this week and had a good chat with him. There are certainly no issues between David and the board. We totally understand fans get frustrated, I’ve been a fan of this club for well over 50 years and fans who pay their money for the games and season tickets and members tickets they’re entitled to give their opinions and be frustrated,” McGivern said.

“That’s part and parcel of football, we totally get that and no one is saying that’s not acceptable.

“What we are saying is, there is a line to be drawn and some of the personal, vile abuse that we’ve seen both online and in the stands at Windsor Park has just not been acceptable.

“I think David was absolutely right to call that out. I get where fans are coming from but please just show a bit of respect to the players, to the staff, to the directors and other supporters in the stadium.”