Trapattoni dismisses Harte Twitter insult

Giovanni Trapattoni has dismissed insulting criticism of him on Twitter from former Ireland international Ian Harte.

Veteran Harte, currently impressing at left-back for Reading, had tweeted yesterday: “To all the people asking if I have retired from international football. No I haven’t. Trap didn’t even know I was Irish #whataclown”.

“Harte? Again?” Trapattoni smiled when the matter was raised.

The manager claimed he knew the player well and said that, at least two years ago, he made clear in response to criticism from Harte he was concentrating on younger players. “This Twitter,” the Italian added dismissively.