Northern Ireland

Celtic fan apologises for Belfast airport confrontation with Nacho Novo

Ex-Rangers player Nacho Novo
Ex-Rangers player Nacho Novo Ex-Rangers player Nacho Novo

A CELTIC fan has apologised for his "indefensible behaviour" that led to an airport confrontation with former Rangers player Nacho Novo.

In a video circulated online, Novo confronts a Celtic fan at Belfast International Airport who was singing: "I hope you die in your sleep Nacho Novo."

A football club which had been hosting Novo in the city said it was "disgusted" by the incident and called on police to investigate.

The 39-year-old Spaniard had travelled to attend East Belfast FC academy's prizegiving day for players aged 11 and 12.

East Belfast FC said: "Not only does such behaviour have no place in sport, but it has no place within society."

During the incident at the weekend, Novo was filmed walking through the airport while the Celtic fan taunted him.

Novo initially smiled and appeared to laugh it off, but later confronted the fan outside the airport doors, swearing and asking why he had been "disrespected".

Novo, who also played for east Belfast side Glentoran in 2016-17, suffered a suspected heart attack earlier this year during a tournament in Berlin.

The Celtic fan at the centre of the incident yesterday apologised unreservedly for his "indefensible behaviour".

He told the Belfast Telegraph: "I had been over to watch football and had returned on the same day and I was the worse for drink. That is not an excuse but it is true. I've let myself down.

"Since the incident went viral, I've had an insight into the effects of abusive behaviour. Threats have been made online and I can appreciate how upsetting the original incident was."

The confrontation happened at Belfast International Airport
The confrontation happened at Belfast International Airport The confrontation happened at Belfast International Airport

In a Facebook post, East Belfast FC praised Novo for attending its prizegiving event.

"We would like to express our deep gratitude to Nacho Novo for making his way to Belfast to present all the 06 section with their trophies and also delivering what was an amazing day for many kids connected with East Belfast FC," it said.

"Not many sporting heroes go out of their way to travel from another country to do what Nacho did, the smiles on the kids' faces spoke a million words and Nacho has promised to continue his support for our club."