The Front Pages
Two contrasting sports stories hit the front pages of the Irish Times and the Irish Independent today.
On home soil the Indo leads with, “Wee want a replay… GAA inquiry after ref confronted by angry fans.â€
There were violent scenes after the final whistle was sounded in the Leinster SFC final at Croke Park yesterday when Louth supporters attacked referee Martin Sludden (pictured above being escorted by Gardai) while he attempted to leave the field.
Louth suffered the ultimate heartbreak deep into injury time when a controversial goal from Meath’s Joe Sheridan, who bundled the ball over the goal line, ended their dreams of winning a first Leinster title for over 50 years.
The Indo’s GAA analyst Eugene McGee said, “If fair play does actually exist then the goal should be cancelled and Louth be declared Leinster champions. A second, though less brave, action is to declare a replay.â€
Meanwhile, in South Africa it’s; “Olé, olé, olé all the way as World Cup reign begins in Spain,†the Times’ report reads.
For the first time in history, Spain have won the FIFA World Cup. After 120 minutes of action the crucial moment came when Andres Iniesta ghosted in behind the Dutch defence and rasped one home to send the Spaniards into raptures.
There are reports in every paper you’ll pick up this morning, of course, but you can read Spain v Holland as it happened with JOE.ie.
Tales from the Tabs
“I’m a teacher and a porn star. So what?â€
That’s a headline in the Sun today which tells of a sex education teacher who also makes a few quid in the adult film making industry.
Benedict Garrett (30) has been suspended from Beal High School in Essex after his students discovered he was already a stripper called Johnny Anglais who plugs his steamy routine on a website.
He said: “It is something I do in my personal life that doesn’t go against anything I teach the kids.
“There are many more immoral ways to earn money than romping in front of a camera.
“Lawyers defend paedophiles, bankers raise money using questionable means and large corporations often put finances ahead of the environment.”
Garrett insisted: “I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done.”
The Sports Pages
The World Cup is all over so enjoy the last moments of hashing and rehashing last night’s final.
Holland have berated English referee Howard Webb for numerous decisions that went aganst them on the night.
The Holland manager, Bert van Marwijk, felt extremely aggrieved about Mr Webb’s performance. His comments are published in the Daily Star’s report.
“I don’t think the referee controlled the match well,†Van Marwijk said. “I read a few things today about how angry Spain were at the refereeing in the first match against Switzerland.
“If you view his performance today, you’d almost think now that that first match had an influence on this game now.â€
