Glentoran's pre-match decision 'surprised' David Healy on Linfield's day of celebration

3 weeks ago 1066

David Healy says he was left "surprised" by Glentoran's decision not to give champions Linfield a guard of honour ahead of their game at Windsor Park on Saturday.

In recent seasons opposition clubs have applauded the league winners onto the pitch once they have been confirmed as champions.

The Blues afforded Larne the honour after they won the Irish Premiership two seasons ago, and Dungannon Swifts welcomed Healy's men out onto the pitch at Stangmore Park last month after their 57th league title was secured.

However, it is up to every individual club whether or not they do this, and in the final Big Two meeting of the season, ahead of Linfield being presented with the Gibson Cup post-match, both teams entered the pitch as normal and shook hands before kick-off.

When asked about it afterwards Healy said "it’s no skin off my nose" but said he would have "made sure" the Blues formed a guard of honour if it was the other way around.

"It maybe surprised me, but each to their own,” said the Linfield boss. “It is never forced on any club.

"I have huge respect for Declan and Paddy McCourt (Glentoran assistant manager) is one of my best mates in football so there’s huge mutual respect there.

"I have no doubt if it had have been Glentoran that won the league I would have made sure my football club and players did it...we did it for Larne and had every single staff member and player involved in that Larne game.

"Each to their own, it’s no skin off my nose. It was about our day today.”

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Source: www.belfastlive.co.uk
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