In very poor taste

[johntheclaret]

I was going to put this in the CCC discussion nthread, but thought it "deserved" a thread of it's own

This article is from The Mail although all the press are running it

FA ask Norris for explanation as Ipswich fine midfielder over alleged sick salute to his jailed friend McCormick

David Norris has been fined by Ipswich and warned about his future conduct following his controversial goal celebration in the game against Blackpool on Saturday.

Norris appeared to celebrate a goal with a 'handcuffs' gesture to show support for a friend - ex-Plymouth keeper Luke McCormick - jailed following the deaths of two children.
The midfielder was today urged to "make a face-to-face apology" to the youngsters' family.

The mother of the boys killed in the crash said Ipswich midfielder David Norris had made life harder for her and sent the wrong signal to football fans with his gesture during a Coca-Cola Championship match at Blackpool on Saturday.

The Football Association have confirmed they have written to Norris asking for an explanation.
Ipswich officials are meeting Norris to discuss the incident and will be releasing a statement on the matter this afternoon.

Former Plymouth goalkeeper Luke McCormick was jailed a month ago after being convicted of causing the deaths of Ben and Arron Peak.
He was given a term of seven years and four months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

Arron, 10, and Ben, eight, of Partington, Manchester, were travelling in a Toyota Previa people carrier when it was hit by McCormick's Range Rover on the M6 near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, in June.
McCormick, 25, was returning from Norris' wedding in Bolton, Lancs, when the crash happened in the early hours.
The court heard that McCormick had spent the previous day drinking and had two hours' sleep.

Norris, a former team-mate of McCormick's, appeared to make the handcuff gesture after scoring in Ipswich's 1-0 win at Blackpool on Saturday.

The boys' mother, Amanda, said today that Norris had "upset everybody. I'm finding it quite hard to deal with everything myself and I'm finding it difficult not to hate Luke McCormick and when people are doing silly things like that it makes it very hard," she told Sky television. "I'd rather he sent an apology to us personally, face to face, or a letter personally from him." Mrs Peak said Norris was "supposed to be a role model. There are kids that look up to him and I think 'what sort of message is it going to be sending out to those children?"' she added. "The thing is, it's something he's actually thought about what he's going to do... he's upset everybody."

She went on: "If you're going to see Luke in prison, see him in prison, give a phone call. Just don't do something like that in the public eye when there's loads of children watching."
Everton's Tim Cahill caused offence in March when he made a similar gesture in a goal dedication to his jailed older brother in March


Very insensitive thing to do in my opinion, best mate or not, to celebrate that way after the death of two children ages 10 & 8 by your mate when he was drink driving is a very insensitive thing to do.

[JK]

Yeah it's certainly not an ideal way to celebrate, but I wouldn't throw the book at him and would accept an apology if he provides one.

I'd imagine anytime you score it's a pretty huge moment and the ensuing celebration happens all so quickly and his message was obviously meant for his mate, I doubt he would have been thinking of any other offence it might have caused (if say he mimiced driving a car then I'd think it would be an outrage, for example).

Not trying to condone the actions, just perhaps an understanding of what may have seemed innocuous to the offender.

He should apologise and it should be accepted and then a case of "move along, nothing to see here".

Just my $0.02

[johntheclaret]

Agree Connie. An apology to the parents, and close the book as soon as possible.

The trouble with all of these "FA Enquiries" is they take the headlines, keep whatever story it is on the front page and in this case, prolong the hurt for the family, if you get my meaning.

Did you notice the footnote about Tim Cahill doing the same for his brother. I didn't know he had a brother in prison.

[JK]

I hadn't noticed that bit, but was aware that Tim had a brother in prison (for an assault offence IIRC?).

The media has a lot to answer for when it comes to (unnecessarily imho) prolonging pain in many people's lives.

[Dirko]

Yeah Tim Cahill's brother is in Her Majesty's finest, for assault charges. Will do 3 years or a maximum of 6
for partially blinding a bloke in a fight, and kicking him in the head.

Tim did the celebration of the "handcuff" thing after scoring a goal against Pompey.

Here's a link CLICK HERE

Cahill later apologised.

Another link, including a video of post match interview. CLICK HERE

[johntheclaret]

Cheers Jabber.

I wasn't sure if Cahill was an Aussie over here to play football, but it seems his family is here too.

[Dirko]

Cheers Jabber.

I wasn't sure if Cahill was an Aussie over here to play football, but it seems his family is here too.

I think his family move between Aus & the UK...Cahill's brother was actually a goalkeeper and may have played in the old NSL over here years ago....