Republic of Ireland: Damien Duff says sorry to FAI staff for ‘ridiculous’ comments

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has written a letter of apology to Football Association of Ireland staff after saying he would sack 90% of the organisation’s workforce.

The comments from the former Blackburn and Chelsea midfielder came in a news conference on Wednesday, one day prior to his side’s Uefa Conference League victory over St Joseph’s of Gibraltar.

“I would – how would I word it – raze Abbotstown to the ground because it’s the most uninviting, unenthusiastic workplace, not in world football but in the world,” he said of the FAI’s headquarters.

“So I’d level it and I would probably sack 90% of the workforce.”

Duff has since sent an open letter to staff, calling his own comments “disrespectful” and “ridiculous”.

The 45-year-old wrote: “I knew it was wrong when I said it and it is all I have thought about since.

“You are all working hard for the benefit of Irish football. Trying to pay bills, support families and pay mortgages and, frankly, it was a ridiculous comment.

“It was deeply disrespectful to you all and you all have every right to be disappointed and angry with me.

“I love Irish football, I love the league and will always continue to fight for them both but my words helped neither. My emotion and fight for the game came out poorly and I regret it.”

Duff won 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland and took charge of Shelbourne in November 2021.