GOBS**TE SCOUSE C**TS
United have hit back at accusations their players provoked and abused Everton fans. Mike Phelan has dismissed the claims, saying his players were guilty of nothing more than being excited about a victory.
“I thought the atmosphere inside Goodison was terrific. The game had given it that. We were 3-0 up and should have been further ahead. Then Everton fought back level. Both sets of fans were singing and chanting and then we score a goal in the last minute.
“I was jumping up and down as much as anyone and the players were euphoric. They have celebrated a goal, that’s all. I’m sure if things were in reverse we would have seen the same celebrations from the opposition.
“The game is all about great atmospheres and we should all be glad at what we saw.”
Gary Neville also hit out:
“It is an overreaction. We scored a goal in the last minute to win 4-3 so what do they want us to do? Just walk back and say ‘Good goal, boys?’
“Of course we are going to celebrate.”
The police are taking no action, leaving it for the FA.
Oliver Holt in the Mirror:
Please do not misunderstand me when I say I feel sorry for the Everton fans who queued up to complain about the behaviour of Manchester United players on Saturday evening. I don't wish to give the impression that I have any sympathy for their case or that I identify in any way with their plight.
What I mean is that I pity them. I pity them because they have been infected with the virus that is undermining the constitution of the English football supporter. I pity them because they are the worst kind of losers.
Okay, so United celebrated boisterously in the corner just as Everton players had done a few minutes earlier when Kevin Kilbane headed a fine equaliser.
Gary Neville pumped his fists, like he usually does. Roy Keane made a few
contemptuous gestures towards the Everton fans who had been baiting him all afternoon.
So what? I mean, how do you expect them to react to a last- minute winner in extreme circumstances? A few formal handshakes? A pat on the back here and there? Jolly well done, old chum. That sort of thing?
What maddens me most of all about the self-righteousness of the few who queued for more than an hour to complain to the police is the idea they are sweet innocents. Don't make me laugh. Don't try to tell me we should be shocked and appalled by the way United's players celebrated a goal.
Not when you hear the chants coming from the stands every week even in the sanitised world of the modern-day Premiership.
I remember the last time I went to Goodison Park, back at the beginning of December, I spent most of the second half of a rather dull goalless draw with Manchester City being entertained by a wag in the stand.
Every time Robbie Fowler touched the ball - and I mean every time - he was up on his feet yelling the same insult. "F***ing smackhead," he shouted. Again and again and again.
Now, as far as I'm aware, no one queued to complain about the vile, inaccurate comments this man was shouting. Nobody was offended by his language on behalf of their children. I'm not saying they should be. Within limits, that kind of banter has always been part of football.
As a supporter, you give it out and if the team or the individual you are baiting happens to stick it back up you, then you have to grin and bear it. Don't go crying to the police or to the FA just because you're sore your team lost. If you don't like the cut and thrust of a football atmosphere, stay away or stop moaning.