Dunphy hired investigator over bouncer grope claims

EAMON Dunphy hired a private investigator to probe claims by a nightclub doorman that the television pundit groped, kissed and slapped him.

Mr Dunphy, speaking from his holiday home in France, described the allegations as completely unfounded and criticised gardaí for prolonging the investigation. A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

"The things this man alleges never happened and I'm outraged that this is taking so long to clear up," said the 57-year-old, whose new chat show begins next month.

Mr Dunphy hired a private investigator who is said to have spoken to two witnesses both believed to be bouncers who were outside the nightclub on Dublin's Leeson Street on the night of the alleged incident.

The witnesses, according to the former footballer, back up his claim he was taunted by the doorman and that he reacted in a light-hearted manner.

It is claimed the doorman in question taunted Mr Dunphy, saying he was "more into little boys than women". The TV pundit is said to have responded by light-heartedly kissing the doorman on the cheek.

The witnesses said the bouncer then said: "He probably left lipstick", to which Mr Dunphy is said to have responded by brushing the doorman's cheek with his hand.

The TV3 chat show host said: "The whole issue was cleared up in a day. Why is it taking more than three months to investigate the real villain? They could have cleared me within a week.

"When they interviewed me they knew the facts and had witness statements. Why do they play these games?"