Is this true? shame if it is as the fecker is still living ;) :D :D
Goalkeeper accused of foul play assaulted in hotel by irate fan
Republic of Ireland's Kevin Kilbane (left) confronting the Israeli
goalkeeper Dudu Aouate during the FIFA 2006 World Cup Qualifier in Lansdowne
Road, Dublin over the weekend. Picture: Brian Lawless/Sportsfile
ISRAELI goalkeeper Dudu Awate was attacked in the team's hotel after
Saturday night's World Cup qualifier in Lansdowne Road.
A man poured the contents of an ice-bucket over the back of the
27-year-old-goalkeeper as he walked through the lobby of Dublin's Burlington
Hotel.
The incident followed a controversial 2-2 draw which angered Irish fans who
claimed that the goalkeeper's overacting resulted in defender Andy O'Brien
being sent off.
Israel security staff intervened after the player was attacked and it is
claimed that punches were thrown in the ensuing melee.
"It was a lunatic who doesn't have anything to do with his life but attack
me," journalists were later told by Awate.
It is believed that an Israeli TV crew may even have captured the attack on
camera.
A contingent of gardai stationed at the hotel over the weekend as part the
security operation are thought to have spoken about the incident with Awate
andIsraeli officials.
However, a Garda spokesperson said that there was no record or a complaint
being lodged, while a spokesperson for the hotel was also unaware of any
complaints.
During the match, which saw Israel come back from two goals down, Awate was
both the hero and villain.
He produced a string of saves to prevent Ireland scoring the winning goal
but was booked for time-wasting and was involved in the controversial
sending off, which the FAI are to appeal.
Television replays showed Awate throwing a punch at O'Brien and then
feigning injury when O'Brien turned around to see who had struck him. But
Awate, who was booed off the pitch at the end, claimed he was more sinned
against than sinner.
"I don't know what the Irish are complaining about. I was the victim. I was
punched all through the game," he said.
The President of the Israeli Football Association, Itzhak Menahem, said that
they would not be filing an official complaint with soccer's world governing
body FIFA. "The Irish people have treated us very well and this was only one
supporter," he said.
Meanwhile, political tensions also led to scuffles on Saturday between
Israeli fans and some participants in a pro-Palestinian march in Dublin city
centre. There was a heavy Garda presence around Lansdowne Road in the run-up
to the game.
Match report - Sport 2
Gerry McDermott
