Damien Duff has apologised to staff at the FAI after saying that 90 per cent of them should be sacked.
“I would raze Abbotstown to the ground because it’s the most uninviting unenthusiastic workplace not in world football but in the world,” said Duff on Wednesday. He previously worked as an Ireland assistant coach.
“I used to dread going in there once a month. So I’d level it and I would probably sack 90 per cent of the workforce.”
On Saturday, Duff wrote to FAI staff members to apologise, saying that his previous remarks were “ridiculous.”
Premier League round-up: Diogo Jota rescues point for Liverpool against Fulham at Anfield
The top 25 women’s sporting moments of the year: 25-6 revealed with Mona McSharry, Rachael Blackmore and relay team featuring
Shamrock Rovers’ European adventure one of the best stories of the Irish sporting year
QPR’s Jimmy Dunne finds solace in football after emotional week
“I am writing this letter to you all to say that I am deeply sorry for my comments in the media on Wednesday 10th July when I mentioned sacking 90 per cent of the staff,” said the Shelbourne head coach.
“I knew it was wrong when I said it and it’s all I have thought about since. You are all working hard for the benefit of Irish football. Trying to pay bills, support families and pay mortgages and, frankly, it was a ridiculous comment.
“It was deeply disrespectful to you all and you all have every right to be disappointed and angry with me.
“I love Irish football, I love the league and I will always continue to fight for them both but my words helped neither. My emotion and fight for the game came out poorly.”
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
