Trapattoni plays down flight mix-up

IRELAND’S manager and captain yesterday sought to dampen down the media furore which erupted in the wake of a number of players having to travel in economy class on the squad’s flight from Dublin to Larnaca on Thursday.

Giovanni Trapattoni said he wanted to “clarify a little misunderstanding that happened on the flight”.

Appearing to suggest Irish logistics were complicated by deadline day transfer activity and late call-ups, he said some players were not able to be accommodated in the 22-seater business class section at the front of the plane.

“I fly 90% in economy class with big teams and great players,” he said. “It isn’t a problem. The problem for us is the game against Cyprus.”

Robbie Keane, at pains to play down the controversy, did acknowledge there had been an issue about the seating.

“It was a misunderstanding and it wasn’t ideal,” he said, “but it’s something that’s being addressed and will be sorted out.”