Soccer: Rest of Northern Ireland squad arrive home

The rest of the football squad arrived at Heathrow today without the five men.

Although the majority of the squad went on to a connecting Belfast flight, three players left the flight at London.

Wearing team T-shirts, goal keeper Maik (correct) Taylor, defender Mark Williams and striker James Quinn walked in the arrivals hall around half-an-hour after the flight landed.

Although reluctant to comment about the incident, Mr Taylor said: ‘‘We just got up for breakfast this morning and something had occurred. I can’t really comment on it.’’

Mr Taylor said any incidents would have been totally out of character for his team mates.

‘‘Without question, there has not been any trouble in the past. We certainly don’t know what’s gone on and who’s at fault,’’ he added.

Mr Taylor said the team was just looking forward to getting back to see their families.

The other players refused to comment.

David Segel, the managing director of London-based West End Travel, which deals with travel on behalf of the Irish Football Association said the five players had been left with no officials in Prague.

‘‘They were advised there was no point in staying, but they (the players) are being well looked after by the British Embassy and the Czech FA.

‘‘We have come home without them. We are waiting for the full facts and I think that would be more for the Irish FA to comment on, other than to say we were as much in shock this morning as anyone,’’ he added.

Mr Segel said the flight home had been very uneventful.

He said: ‘‘It was a very quiet flight as most people were trying to sleep. It was quiet and uneventful.

‘‘We are pleased to be back,’’ he added.

Mr Taylor added that the team was ‘‘disappointed’’ they had lost the game so late in the match.

He said: ‘‘We played one of the top teams in the world and we gave a very creditable performance but were disappointed to go so long in the game ahead and then not get any points.’’