Clichy: Limerick fans are not racist

The people of Limerick and Munster are not racist, French soccer star Gael Clichy tweeted yesterday.

The Manchester City defender was responding to supportive messages sent to him on Twitter after he claimed a banana was thrown onto the pitch as the English Premier League champions took on Limerick FC at Thomond Park on Sunday.

Yesterday he tweeted: “Hi to all the Irish football Lover, limerick and Munster fans. I will never put you guys in the same basket of this/those people.”

He added: “The support was great and it was a great day. Thanks again for that. Have a good day guys.”

Limerick’s image as a European City of Sport took a blow when Clichy tweeted after the match: “How sad to see ‘bananas thrown on the pitch’ tonight... Knowing people around the world need food.”

Without knowing about the alleged banana incident, Mayor of Limerick Gerry McLoughlin described the game as, “another momentous occasion for Limerick, reinforcing our reputation as Ireland’s leading sporting destination”.

Limerick FC yesterday stated: “Limerick FC officials met with Thomond Park officials and local gardaí this afternoon, to continue attempts to identify a person that threw an offensive object onto the playing field during the friendly game on Sunday night.

“An incident of this nature is completely unacceptable and is fully condemned by Limerick FC and Thomond Park. CCTV footage is still being analysed and when the offending party is identified appropriate action will be taken. It is deeply upsetting that the actions of one individual have soured the experience for all those in attendance.”