Damien Duff writes groveling apology to FAI staff over sacking comment

Duff has now admitted in a letter that 'he knew it was wrong when he said it" and told of his regret after making the remarks.

APOLOGY: Shelbourne manager Damien Duff. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Damien Duff has written a letter of apology to FAI staff after suggesting in midweek that an Irish football reset might benefit from shedding 90% of them.

His comments emerged during a press conference promoting his Shelbourne side’s return to European competition after a 17-year absence, coming in the wake of the disturbing broadcast on historical abuse against female players.

Agreeing with the question about the requirement for the game to be reset, the Ireland centurion advocated “razing to the ground” the FAI’s uninviting headquarters in Abbotstown, a building he dreaded working in once per month during his brief stint as Stephen Kenny’s coach.

His opinion on the staff line followed thereafter and caused widespread shock among the 240 employees across the governing body’s workforce.

When new Ireland manager Heimer Hallgrimsson was asked for his response during Thursday’s unveiling, interim chief executive David Courell stepped in to praise his “passionate” staff.

It’s understood the unionised section of staff, predominantly regional and local development officers, were poised to lodge a complaint with the Shelbourne board.

That’s been circumvented by Duff’s own correspondence, issued within 36 hours of his team’s 2-1 Conference League first-leg win over St Joseph’s of Gibraltar.

He conveyed his deep sorrow for what he reflected on as a ridiculous comment. 

According to the two-time Premier League winner, the gaffe was also all he has thought of since the words were uttered.

“It’s Damien Duff here,” began the letter, typed on Shelbourne headed paper.

Damien Duff's apology letter.

“I am writing to you all to say that I am deeply sorry for my comments in the media on Wednesday, July 10 when I mentioned sacking 90% of the staff.

“I knew it was wrong when I said it and it is all I have thought about since. You are all working hard for the benefit of Irish football. Trying to pay the bills, mortgages and support families. Frankly, it was a ridiculous comment.

“It was deeply disrespectful to you all and you have every right to be disappointed and angry with me.

“I love Irish football, love the league and will always continue to fight for them but my words helped neither. My emotion and fight for the game out very poorly and I regret it.

“Once again, I am deeply sorry.”