‘Kissgate’ repeat is unlikely
IT WAS the on-field kiss which had repercussions all the way to the House of Commons – football mavericks Alan Birchenall and Tony Currie puckering up at Bramall Lane.
But don’t expect a repeat today when their two clubs, Leicester City and Sheffield United, meet again 35 years after that famous ‘Kissgate’.
“We’ve re-enacted it a few times for charity but that’s it now because Tony is getting uglier each year,” laughed Birchenall.
Rewind to April 1975 and Birchenall and Leicester were on their way to a 4-0 trouncing against the club which launched his career, with flamboyant England international Currie in imperious mood, scoring one of the goals.
“He was some talent,” admitted Birchenall.
“There were few better with the ball at their feet.
“We were getting really battered and Tony and I went for the ball but ended up in a tangle on the floor. We just looked at each other and it happened.
“People still talk about it now whenever this game comes up.
“At the time it wasn’t well received everywhere. In fact it could have got Tony and I into a lot of trouble.
“The kiss was even raised in the House of Commons with one MP worried about what football was coming to.
“My manager Jimmy Bloomfield thought I had gone too far.”
Birchenall is still a popular figure at the King Power Stadium and is a club ambassador, the same position Currie holds at Sheffield United.
“Luckily, most people laughed at what happened and didn’t take it too seriously,” said Birchenall.
“It was just a bit of fun between two old mates. ‘Win, lose or draw, don’t be a bore’ has been my motto.
“I admire today’s players, their athleticism, their skill levels and the way they look after themselves, but I wouldn’t swap it for my era.”