McGrath on bail charged with breach of peace

FORMER Ireland international footballer Paul

McGrath has been charged with breach of the peace, it emerged yesterday.

The 43-year-old, who has battled drink problems, gave his address as no fixed abode at his appearance at Manchester City Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He was arrested by police on Monday outside the home of his first wife, Claire, in Northenden, Manchester, where he had been staying since splitting from his second wife.

The former Manchester United and Aston Villa centre-half pleaded not guilty and was bailed until February 16. A cult hero with Irish fans, McGrath hit the headlines again recently after he failed to turn up for a live television interview with Eamon Dunphy after going on an all-day drinking spree in Dublin.

McGrath joined Manchester United from St Patrick’s Athletic in 1983, winning an FA Cup medal in 1985. He was off-loaded when Alex Ferguson arrived at the club, who was keen to get rid of what was perceived as a drinking culture at United.

McGrath moved to Aston Villa, where he became a hero, but he was unable to train due to knee problems and he retired in 1998.

He won the first of his 83 international caps in 1985 and helped Ireland to the European Championships in 1988 and qualification to two World Cups.

McGrath’s drinking problems meant that on two occasions, he missed Ireland matches, while at club level, Manchester United decided to cut their losses and let him leave for Aston Villa.