The sacked goalkeeper has reportedly been handed a lifeline by the A-League champions.
Central Coast Mariners have been condemned by their twitter followers after claims they had signed disgraced goalkeeper Liam Reddy.
The 32-year-old was sacked by Sydney FC in April 2012 after he was sent home from a trip to New Zealand after getting drunk on the Sky Blues’ flight to an A-League Final Series match against Wellington Phoenix.
After spending 16-months away from Australia’s elite division, taking in brief stints in Iranian football and at Sydney United, Reddy will reportedly be handed a lifeline by the Mariners on a “a zero-tolerance contract”.
However, it’s a decision that has led to Bluetongue Stadium supporters to question the club’s moral stance with one Mariners patron, clearly irked by the Sydney-born custodian’s mooted arrival, directly confronting their official twitter account.
@CCMariners why did we sign Liam Reddy #MarinersFanForum
— Nick Herbert (@n_herbs82) August 21, 2013
Two others, meanwhile, took an even dimmer view at the news and expressed their anger that the club would sacrifice it’s wholesome image just to sign a player.
The defending champions shouldn’t be handing out lifelines to wasters like Liam Reddy. Devalues the reputation of @ccmariners & the #aleague
— Ben Clark (@scouse_roar) August 18, 2013
In the end of the day, if a club that prides itself on being family-orientated signs a player like Liam Reddy… well…. #Aleague
— Megan Borg (@102megan) August 18, 2013
But a number of tweeters from rival clubs, plus a fan account from Reddy’s former employers Brisbane Road, saw the lighter side and alluded to his previous alcohol-related indiscretion with a few mocking quips and even a song.
I wonder if Liam Reddy has improved his kicking. I recall many balls ending up in the Western & Eastern stands at Suncorp during his time.
— Roar Talk (@RoarObsession) August 21, 2013
liam reddy to ccm?.. celebratory drink or 12?
— clarky (@clkz0r) August 21, 2013
He drinks when he wants He drinks when he wants He’s Liam Reddy He drinks when he wants. #songsforliam
— Simon Fisher (@marinerfish) August 18, 2013
COMMENTS