HEALY: IDIOT BLUES FANS RUINED OUR BIG NIGHT

To experience the atmosphere in front of 40,000 fans here at Celtic Park will be something special

DAVID HEALY last night slammed the Linfield Buckie boys for taking the spotlight off his side’s battling display against Celtic. The Blues boss (above) claimed after Friday night’s heated first leg clash he hadn’t seen the coins and bottles being thrown on the pitch at Leigh Griffiths or the attempts to get on the pitch at the end. But the former Rangers star has now seen the footage and he didn’t miss the target when it came to the louts who shamed his club after his players produced a spirited performance. Healy said: “It’s frustrating. I was asked the question the other day about the incidents. “Straight from the game, I claimed I didn’t see it. “But having now seen and been made aware of what happened, I think it’s time to have my say. “The club have made a statement about the idiots. “With the efforts the club go into and the money they spend, it’s hugely disappointing that a few idiots want to bring the club to the attention of other people. “It’s hugely disappointing as the manager of the club as we tried to make it about what happens on the pitch. “Due to a few idiots, the players didn’t get enough praise for what they did in the first game.” Healy was proud of his players and he’s hoping it’s the men on the pitch who will be the focus after tonight’s second leg showdown. He said: “It’s important that it’s about football this week and the club has made a statement. “Throughout the world, no matter what you do, there is nothing you can do stop a few idiots who follow the club. “We have made giant strides to make sure we are talking about what happens on the pitch. “It’s important at Celtic Park that the 1000 or so Linfield fans behave themselves in an impeccable manner and enjoy the scenery, game and occasion. “We want to be talking about the game.” Healy admitted his side face a huge task keeping tabs on Celtic and he is out to perform a containment job. When asked his approach, he said: “Pretty much the way we approached it on Friday. What we don’t want to do is come here to be annihilated. “We’ve seen some of the results when the other SPFL clubs have come to Celtic Park and been blown away. “What we don’t want to do is turn up and be lambs to the slaughter. We will be positive when we have possession. “But we also have to be disciplined and organised - which the players, to their great credit, were on Friday night.” Lindfield star Jamie Mulgrew insisted the Parkhead clash will be the biggest match of their careers for the Blues. Mulgrew (inset) said: “We all watch European nights here at Celtic Park and we hear the atmosphere on the TV. “To experience playing here at this great arena before 30 or 40,000 will be special. “Even though I’m a Rangers fan you have to embrace and enjoy these great occasions. We know how special these nights are and for us to be a part of it will be special for us.”