BREAKING: Damien Duff Clashes with Stephen Bradley Over Respect Dispute; Refuses to Shake Hands, Citing Lack of Respect from Shamrock Rovers Boss Duff hits back at Bradley after the Shamrock Rovers manager criticized him for not shaking hands following their sides’ 2-2 draw last Friday. Duff accuses Bradley of attacking his character and shows no signs of mending the feud after his side’s loss to Waterford.
Breaking News: Damien Duff and Stephen Bradley’s Feud Escalates; Respect in Football Manager Handshakes Under Scanner
Duff Strikes Back at Bradley After "Lack of Respect" Accusation
In a stunning response to Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley’s programme notes, Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has hit back, accusing Bradley of attacking his character. Bradley had criticized Duff for not shaking his hand after a 2-2 draw between their sides two weeks ago.
In Bradley’s programme notes, he expressed his displeasure with Duff’s behavior, stating, "I wasn’t happy… I don’t think it’s good enough… Show the opposition manager respect at the end and shake hands." Bradley further pointed out that Shelbourne’s backroom staff waited to shake hands, but Duff did not.
Did you know? Handshakes in football have been a tradition since the late 1800s, symbolizing respect and sportsmanship between opposing teams and managers.
Duff’s Response: "Lack of Respect was from Bradley’s End"
Speaking after Shelbourne’s recent 1-0 loss to Waterford, Duff fired back at Bradley, claiming that the lack of respect was not on his end but from the Shamrock boss. According to Duff, Bradley’s criticism was an attack on his character, and the lack of respect was evident in Bradley’s pre-game remarks.
History of Duff vs Bradley Feuds
Duff did not networking with any of Shamrock’s staff after the game, clarifying, "I wasn’t even going to shake their hands before the game because there was a lack of respect in how he spoke about me before the game… It was a lack of respect, criticising my character."
Pro Tip for managers: Maintain sportsmanship and respect for your opponents, regardless of the result. A handshake goes a long way in preserving the integrity of the game.
Bradley’s Stance: Respect is Mandatory for All
Bradley, however, stands firm on his belief that handshakes are mandatory, regardless of the outcome or pre-game banter. After Shamrock’s 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers, he emphasized the importance of respect, saying, "As managers, coaches, we’ve got a duty to lead and show respect… It’s about being respectful, win, lose or draw."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are handshakes important in football?
Handshakes in football signify mutual respect, good sportsmanship, and a fair contest between teams and managers.
- Can managers refuse to shake hands for legitimate reasons?
While rare, managers can refuse to shake hands due to personal reasons or extreme provocation. However, it’s generally discouraged to set a good example.
Will This Feud Escalate Further?
With both managers holding firm to their stances, this feud might not be over yet. The Irish Premier Division will be watching as the)
247Sports will keep you updated on this developing story and its potential impact on the future of respect and sportsmanship in football management.
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