Manchester United star John O’Shea has publicly denounced claims that he is gay following years of abuse from Manchester City fans over the issue.
O’Shea, who is Rockenham, Co Waterford’s most famous son, has been the subject of taunts over his sexuality from the stands of Barclays Premier League grounds over the past five years.
The Manchester United and Republic of Ireland utility player told The Star: ‘It’s ridiculous, it’s just a bit of banter really.
‘The Manchester City fans think I’m gay. I’ve been gay for about five years, according to them.
‘I laugh every time we play City and they sing a certain song at me.
‘I just brush it off. It doesn’t annoy me. What can you do? What can the FA do? Put a load of stewards in and throw loads of people out?
‘I’m always ready for the sing-song when we play City.’
John O’Shea was a member of Manchester United’s Champions League winning side of 2007 and is engaged to Waterford woman Yvonne Manning.
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