Brighton player criticised for tribute to ex-IRA man Martin McGuinness

Albion defender Shane Duffy. Picture By Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

A Brighton and Hove Albion footballer has been criticised after paying tribute to Martin McGuinness, the man behind the IRA bomb at the Grand Hotel in 1984.

Mr McGuinness, 66, died in hospital after suffering with a rare heart condition. He was the Northern Ireland deputy first minister and a former IRA commander.

Albion defender Shane Duffy took to Twitter, and said: “More tragic news this morning, RIP Martin Mc Guinness a true hero for many of us god bless your family and close ones #ireland.”

But he was criticised by some followers.

Allan McRitchie said: “God bless his victims and their families and loved ones, murderer and terrorist nothing more, and you play for Brighton.”

Another, Olly Dillingham‏ simply said: “Grand Hotel BRIGHTON? Shameful!”

Oliver Allan‏ said: “A truly ridiculous tweet considering who he plays for.”

But Mr Duffy responded: “I’ll always stand by what and who I support, it’s the way I was brought up.”

Five people were killed in the attack on Brighton’s Grand Hotel, which was holding the Conservative Party conference at the time.