The East Anglia derby between Ipswich Town and Norwich City finished 1-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Cameron Jerome gave the Canaries – with Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan both starting – the lead at Portman Road but the home side drew level on the stroke of half-time, with Jonas Knudsen scoring from the spot.
After the final whistle, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy had a few more scores to settle however, as he unloaded in spectacular fashion on his critics among the supporters.
For those new to McCarthy’s tirades, they are a thing to behold. We were once present in the Madejski Stadium after a 1-0 defeat for his Wolves side following a first minute own goal.
After being asked what he thought of his team’s start he proceeded to unload with a string of profanities that were dripping in sarcasm.
Brutally honest, brutally blunt, brutally brutal. When Mick McCarthy wants to get something off his chest, he rarely says it with a careless whisper.
So when the former Republic of Ireland captain and manager was asked about criticism from fans who consider him a “boring c**t” he did not hold back, suggesting any man brave enough to make their opinions known to his face would get their pint of lager thrown back at them.
However, amid all the bluster, McCarthy did admit that the criticism, following a win, two draws and a single defeat in their opening four league matches, does hurt.
“It really does hurt me that. Up and down like a bloody fiddler’s elbow. I’m all right one week but I’m not the next,” said McCarthy of the fickle fans.
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy on fans who criticise him. These quotes… pic.twitter.com/iBh0or52D9
— Kieran Gill (@kierangill_DM) August 21, 2016
McCarthy is operating under straitened conditions at Portman Road, with the club for the third summer running spending next to no money – the only incoming player this season was Portsmouth defender Adam Webster on a free – finishing ninth, sixth and seventh in that time.
A proven Championship manager, McCarthy has done superbly to keep the Tractor Boys competing at the right end of the table, despite owner Marcus Evans’ penurious stewardship.
Evans, himself embroiled in the Irish Olympic ticketing scandal this week, may not put too much pass on McCarthy’s latest outburst. A Brazilian arrest warrant will do that to you.
Listen to the big interview with Eamon McGee in the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes.
