Club say Novo abuse ‘unacceptable’

A Belfast football club has said it was unacceptable that former Rangers player Nacho Novo was subjected to sectarian abuse at an airport in the city.

Novo confronted a Celtic fan at Belfast International Airport who was singing :“I hope you die in your sleep Nacho Novo.”

The incident was filmed and footage posted on social media.

A statement from East Belfast FC said: “We feel it essential that we highlight the sectarian abuse and threats made to Nacho Novo.

“While travelling to B elfast from Glasgow to support our kids he found himself on a plane with Celtic supporters returning home from their game yesterday and was threatened, abused and disgusting things were also said about his family. This is not acceptable in this day (and) age.”

The Spaniard had travelled to B elfast to attend East B elfast FC academy’s prizegiving day for players aged 11 and 12. He suffered a suspected heart attack earlier this year during a tournament in Berlin.

The club called on the Police S er vice of Nor thern Ireland to investigate. Novo played for east Belfast side Glentoran in 2016-17.

East Belfast FC said in a Facebook post: “We would like to express our deep gratitude to Nacho Novo for making his way to Belfast to present all the 06 section with their trophies.”