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So this Stephen Ireland thing for those that dont know
Quote:
Ireland tells of 'deep regret'
City midfielder owns up to deceiving country
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has admitted that he was guilty of 'misleading' his club, country and supporters about the circumstances of his withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland squad.
Ireland flew back to Manchester on Sunday morning having given his manager Steve Staunton the impression that his grandmother had died, when in fact his girlfriend had suffered a miscarriage.
The 21-year-old outlined the ordeal to the club's official website, via a lengthy statement: "When the game ended our manager Stephen Staunton took me outside the dressing room into the corridor, along with the Ireland team doctor.
"He told me that they had taken a call from my girlfriend, Jessica, and she said my grandmother had died.
"I immediately rang my girlfriend to get more details. My girlfriend was distraught and explained that she had just suffered a miscarriage.
"Jessica said she was very lonely and wanted me to come home. She said she thought they might let me home quicker if they thought my grandmother had died.
Distraught
"When I finished the call I told the manager and doctor that my grandmother had died and because we were very close I wanted to go home immediately.
"The manager said that was no problem and he would get the FAI to sort it out.
"The FAI hired a private jet to get me home and I flew out of Bratislava the following morning. Before I left I told the FAI media officer that the name of my grandmother was Patricia Tallon.
"Early on Monday morning I got a phone call from Stephen Staunton telling me that the FAI had discovered my grandmother in Cork was not dead.
"He wanted to know what was going on and I told him that there had been a mistake and it had been my father's mother. I told him her name was Brenda Kitchener, that she lived in London.
"On Thursday, I got a phone call from Manchester City stating that the FAI had discovered that my grandmother, Brenda Kitchener, was also alive.
"I decided at that stage that I must tell truth and admit I had told lies.
Valuable lesson
"I realise now that it was a massive mistake on my part to tell the FAI and Manchester City that my grandmothers had died and I deeply regret it.
"The miscarriage that Jessica suffered last Saturday has caused both of us a lot of heartache and had caused us both to panic.
"It was wrong and I sincerely apologise, particularly as I caused a lot of problems for many people.
"I would like to apologise to my grandmothers and all my family for any distress I have caused them. Ireland manager Stephen Staunton, my Ireland team-mates, the backroom staff and the FAI also deserve my profound apologies.
"I truly appreciate that the extraordinary lengths they went to put my welfare first and ensure I got home from Slovakia as quickly as possible.
"I am also sorry for causing Manchester City any embarrassment and apologise to the supporters of both Manchester City and Ireland for misleading them and the media.
"I love playing for my country and am grateful for the understanding Mr Staunton and the FAI have shown to me since I told them the truth.
"I have learnt a valuable lesson from this mess and hope those I have hurt by my actions will forgive me."
Amusing stuff if this wasnt so tragic. For those that dont want to read, he told everyone one of his grandmother's died and they found out she didnt. Then he continued the lie and said it was the other grandmother Of course they then found out that wasnt true. A few days later the truth comes out. Bizarre stuff
09-15-2007, 12:31 AM
So this Stephen Ireland thing for those that dont know Post #2
I would have thought had he have told Stephen Staunton the truth in the first place he would have had a sympathetic response and understanding about the need to get home. He also could have confided in Richard Dunne, his club captain.
There's a team related point here. Much has been made of how the team like and respect Stan. It's one of the things that Stan's supporters have pointed to. This seems to suggest it's not all that close.
09-15-2007, 12:38 AM
So this Stephen Ireland thing for those that dont know Post #10
So this Stephen Ireland thing for those that dont know 
Of course they then found out that wasnt true. A few days later the truth comes out. Bizarre stuff
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