Ex-Newcastle Player In Fight On Aircraft!

Last updated : 14 September 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Irish Football Association chiefs are continuing their investigations into an alleged aircraft fight between Sheffield United winger Keith Gillespie and West Ham defender George McCartney.

Trouble flared on board a flight home from Reykjavik on Thursday after Northern Ireland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland.

The alleged brawl came after Northern Ireland's chances of qualifying for next year's finals were dealt a crushing blow.

Gillespie scored a last-minute own goal to give Iceland a 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

Players were taking their seats on the 0740 Icelandair flight to London Heathrow when the alleged fight broke out.

Punches were thrown before other squad members quickly intervened to calm the situation, according to witnesses.

Cabin crew reported the incident to Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington before the plane took off.

One of those on board the flight said: "I was walking down to my seat and I saw a commotion in the middle of the plane.

"There were players involved and punches thrown, but it was over almost as quickly as it started.

"A flurry of other players waded in and calmed everything down.

"Nigel Worthington was further up the plane, and senior cabin crew went down and had a word with the players involved."

1995/99 K.R.Gillespie 121/25 14

Northern Ireland international Keith will be best remembered as the player who signing sent Andy Cole to Manchester United.

"The deal wouldn't have gone through if I couldn't sign Gillespie" said Kevin Keegan.

A lively influential winger, and his injury (ironically at Old Trafford) cost Newcastle the title in 1996.

Moved to Blackburn Rovers. Northern Ireland international born in Larne.

Took a punch off Alan Shearer after an argument in a bar when the club was on a short pre-season tour of Ireland.

Supposedly Gilly upset a few drinkers with his antics and bad language, and Shearer took him outside and taught him some manners.