He might have whipped up a bit of a reaction after claims that he called Jack Grealish a 'fake paddy', but Stephen Quinn has a fairly overarching defence against the allegations. He didn't even know Grealish was qualified to play for Ireland in the first place.
The Ireland and Hull midfielder was one of a number of players to welcome Grealish to Premier League football in a robust manner a couple of weeks ago. Following that clash, Grealish claimed that, during their altercation, Quinn referred to him as a 'fake paddy' owing to his mixed Irish/English heritage.
However, the Hull midfielder has refuted those claims on the basis that he was entirely unaware of the international tug-of-war going on between Ireland and England over Grealish's allegiance. According to Quinn, there was nothing untoward other than the tackle, something which he will apologise for now that he knows Grealish could be a future international team mate.
I didn’t know Jack was available for Ireland or whatever, but he ended up on the wrong end of one of my tackles. I’ll have to apologise to him when I see him next. That was it.
Quinn also said that although he was unaware of Grealish's situation, he is fully in favour of players from mixed Irish heritage representing the Boys in Green.
It’s part of football. If it makes our team better then well and good. It is just healthy competition. If you are good enough you will play.
[The Sunday Times]
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
