Linfield boss David Healy laments '˜idiots' taking shine off game

Linfield manager David Healy expressed his dismay at the 'few idiots' who took the shine off his side's gutsy performance against Celtic in Belfast on Friday night.

Linfield manager David Healy. Picture: Craig Williamson/SNS

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The Northern Irish champions launched an investigation following the 2-0 Champions League qualifying defeat at Windsor Park after Hoops striker Leigh Griffiths was pelted with missiles, including a glass bottle, when trying to take a second-half corner. Uefa have subsequently instigated disciplinary action.

Around 1,000 Linfield supporters will make their way over to the east end of Glasgow for the second leg on Wednesday night and Healy is confident that this time the focus will remain on the football.

The former Rangers striker, speaking before his side trained at Celtic Park, said: “The disappointing thing with everything that happened on Friday is that the players didn’t get enough praise for their work ethic and the amount of effort they put into the game. It is frustrating.

“It is hugely disappointing as the manager of the club that [because] of a few idiots, the players didn’t come out with a lot more praise. A lot of people wanted to talk about what happened off the pitch.

“It is hugely important tomorrow night that the 1,000 supporters or whatever who are going to be here behave themselves in an impeccable manner, enjoy the scenery, enjoy the game, enjoy the occasion, and we come away talking about hopefully another positive Linfield performance.”

Healy concedes it will be the biggest game most of his part-time players have played in and said: “This will be the toughest game these lads will ever play in, the biggest game and hopefully it is the best game but we are certainly looking forward to it.”