Paul Gascoigne charity gig ‘like being at funeral’

Published on 02/02/2013 10:28

PAUL Gascoigne launched a tirade at former England teammates and broke down several times in front of dinner guests at a charity function, according to reports.

• Paul Gascoigne broke down as he gave after dinner speech to guests

• Former Rangers player launched tirade against former England team-mates

• Gascoine heard apologising for “three days on the whisky”

The former Rangers midfielder appeared as an after dinner speaker in a Northampton hotel, and was seen downing several pints of lager before giving a rambling ten-minute speech.

Dinner guests, who had payed £100 each to see the ex-England international, were told to be “patient” with Gascoigne as the compere announced he had been taken to hospital for treatment.

He eventually appeared after being helped on stage by hotel staff to answer fans’ questions, but burst into tears as he fumbled over scripted lines.

At one point, Gascoigne was overheard apologising for having been “three days on the whisky”.

“It was horrible seeing my hero in that condition,” one diner told The Sun.

“There was a lump in everyone’s throat when he left the stage.

“The room really did have the atmosphere of a funeral and the consensus was certainly that he does not have long left.”

“It was tragic,” another guest said. “We paid for the evening to celebrate and support a football hero. But instead it felt like we were watching him die in front of our eyes.”

Guests also reported seeing Gascoigne trembling so badly that diners thought he had Parkinson’s disease.

Another account of the evening, published online by another guest, recalled how Gascoigne ranted about former England team-mates after being asked about playing for his country.

“Gazza was helped on stage and was sat on a sofa. He was shaking uncontrollably all the time. His agent [Terry Baker] asked who was the best player he’s played with and Gazza said ‘Bryan Robson. But he’s a c***. They’re all c****. You’re all c****.’

“His agent apologised and he apologised too. He broke down three times while on stage.”

The session was ended by Gascoigne’s agent after the former Ibrox idol continued to use abusive language.