Dickie defends club banter after abuse

Cricket Legend Dickie Bird has reiterated his loyalty to hometown football club Barnsley after he received abuse on social media '“ for appearing to support rivals Sheffield United.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Aug 2017, 20:02 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2017, 12:34 BST
Dickie Bird is a well-known figure in the cricket worldDickie Bird is a well-known figure in the cricket world
Dickie Bird is a well-known figure in the cricket world

The 84-year-old, a former Test match umpire, ex-player and president of Yorkshire cricket club, was a guest of Blades chairman Kevin McCabe for Saturday’s game between United and the Barnsley at Bramall Lane, Sheffield, which the hosts won 1-0.

Mr Bird, wearing a United club tie, was interviewed before the game and his comments, described as ‘jokey’ and ‘banter’, enraged some Barnsley supporters, who posted vile abuse on Twitter.

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A section of fans even demanded his statue in Barnsley town centre be torn down.

In a statement, Mr Bird said: “Some fans have been questioning my loyalty to the Tykes. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have been a fan for more than 80 years and have a season ticket for the club which I have had for years.

“I had been invited to the game on Saturday by Sheffield United and there had been some jokey comments about me wearing a Sheffield United tie which I was wearing as I was a guest of the club. “

Related topics:Sheffield UnitedBarnsleyBramall LaneYorkshireSheffield