Staunton unfazed by possible ban

Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton insists sitting in the stands for next month’s clash with Cyprus will hold no fears.

Staunton faces a potential two-match touchline ban if UEFA decide to clamp down on the 37-year-old after his dismissal in Saturday’s 1-0 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.

Staunton was banished to the stands of the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion by referee Luis Medina Cantalejo for kicking a water bottle in frustration at one of the Spaniard’s decisions.

After a warning earlier in the game for his behaviour, Staunton pushed Cantalejo’s patience once too often, ending his first competitive match in charge in ignominious fashion.

UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body will now await Cantalejo’s match report, and if that reflects unfavourably on Staunton, he could find himself away from the dug-out for the Group D games in Cyprus on October 7 and at home to the Czech Republic four days later.

The situation could be further clouded if consultant Sir Bobby Robson has still not recovered in time from recent surgery to remove a brain tumour that has resulted in minor complications.

But an undaunted Staunton said: “It’s out of my control as to what happens now, but I’m not fearing anything. I will still be at the games.

“Even if I’m not in the dug-out and Bobby’s not back, then I’m not worried because I have a great backroom staff.

“I picked them and I put full trust in them, and I will be able to relay my thoughts without getting angry in the stands.”

Staunton refused to concede whether he regretted the incident, or whether he would have to change his approach for future matches.

He appreciates, though, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a point, adding: “You have to bite the bullet at times. It’s getting so you can’t say anything. I find it very hard, though, because I’m a passionate person and I have a passionate team.

“When I’m on the touchline I kick and head everything. I play the game like everyone else, and I just kicked a bottle of water out of frustration on this occasion. I was frustrated personally, and I was frustrated for the lads. These things happen.”

Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney will have to temporarily stand down from his post within UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body to ensure there is no conflict of interests should there be a hearing into the matter.

Following the defeat to Germany, the pressure will be on Ireland and Staunton to come away with all three points from Cyprus, in particular following Slovakia’s 6-1 hiding of the Cypriots on Saturday.

Staunton, though, knows Cyprus will “be a lot tougher to beat”, adding: “They’re going to have worked on things defensively.

“We know it’s going to be tough anyway because we have been out there a couple of times in the last few years and they’ve not been easy games.

“Cyprus are a very good side, but I don’t think we’ve anything to fear, and we will approach it with confidence – with or without me on the sidelines.”