Trapattoni lays down law on sex and ‘happy hours’

Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad will be allowed “some private time” with their wives and girlfriends during the tournament in Poland and the Ukraine — but partners can’t stay overnight with the players, said Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

After an “emotional” visit to Croagh Patrick in Mayo, Trapattoni found himself discussing emotion of a different kind when asked his opinion on whether it was appropriate for his Republic of Ireland players to have sex during the Euro 2012 finals.

“Where? On the pitch?” piped up assistant coach Marco Tardelli from the back of the room. And, grinning, Trapattoni replied: “I was a player. It’s like with food, if you eat, eat, eat, you will be dead from overeating!”

Having clarified that he meant “everything in moderation”, the manager went on to say that the Irish players would indeed be allowed some private time with their wives and girlfriends who will also be based in Sopot — albeit in other hotels — during Ireland’s stay in Poland. “Sure, they will have free time to spend evenings — but not in the night,” said Trapattoni. “Then they must come back to us.”

With general hilarity breaking out, one journalist dubbed this evening interlude as the squad’s “happy hour”.