By Chris Wright
Glentoran goalkeeping coach David McClelland came about as close to losing an eye as is humanly possibly when his contact lens was knocked out by a rogue firework that exploded in front of the dugout during his side’s Irn-Bru League Cup tie with Portadown (a fixture you may well remember produced a storming goal from Matty Burrows last season) in Northern Ireland last night…
The game was on the verge of being abandoned several times due to the persistent hail of fireworks being flung down onto the pitch by a shameful contingent of the Portadown support, with both McClelland and Glens assistant manager Pete Batey requiring medical treatment for suspected perforated eardrums after the incident in the first-half.
For the record, the home side eventually ran out 2-1 winners to salvage a shred of justice – though we’re fairly sure the victory would be of scant compensation to either McClelland or Batey had they been blinded/deafened by the gaggle of moronic fans throwing explosives from the terraces all night.
Video: Glentoran TV via OTP.