Northern Ireland

Cliftonville manager: Roy Carroll should explain why he didn't shake hands with team

Cliftonville goalkeeper Roy Carroll (centre in yellow) walked past the Linfield line-up before the team's Danske Bank Premiership game at Solitude on Saturday. Photo by David Maginnis, Pacemaker Press.
Cliftonville goalkeeper Roy Carroll (centre in yellow) walked past the Linfield line-up before the team's Danske Bank Premiership game at Solitude on Saturday. Photo by David Maginnis, Pacemaker Press. Cliftonville goalkeeper Roy Carroll (centre in yellow) walked past the Linfield line-up before the team's Danske Bank Premiership game at Solitude on Saturday. Photo by David Maginnis, Pacemaker Press.

THE manager of north Belfast side Cliftonville FC has called for Linfield's Roy Carroll to explain why he did not shake hands with his players.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper sparked controversy at Saturday's game in Solitude when did not take part in the traditional pre-game handshake.

The 40-year-old from Co Fermanagh did shake hands with match officials but unlike the rest of the Linfield team, ignored the Cliftonville players.

His action were interpreted on social media as a response to Cliftonville's decision for players to bow their heads when God Save The Queen was played at the Irish Cup final at Windsor Park in May.

Cliftonville boss Barry Gray told the BBC NI's Irish League Show: "What everyone needs to do is to ask Roy for his explanation. If he was in my team, I would have a massive issue with it."

The game finished 1-1, with Linfield skipper Jamie Mulgrew sent off.

Linfield goalkeeper Roy Carroll
Linfield goalkeeper Roy Carroll Linfield goalkeeper Roy Carroll