Ireland boss unhurt after firearms incident
Steve Staunton preparing his Ireland team to take on Holland
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Tuesday, 15, Aug 2006 10:27
Republic of Ireland head coach Steve Staunton escaped unhurt after being confronted by a gunman at the team's hotel base in Portmarnock, Dublin, last night.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed that their rookie manager was on the phone in the car park when he was confronted "in a threatening manner by a stranger outside the hotel".
Local reports claim the armed man hurled death threats at Staunton before running off as hotel security personnel rushed to the scene. Police were immediately called and took statements from those involved.
Despite the scare, Staunton was said to have been unaffected by the incident.
"Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Staunton is absolutely fine and looking forward to Tuesday's training session," the FAI said in a statement.
Staunton and his Irish team are assembled in Portmarnock preparing for tomorrow's friendly international against the Netherlands at Lansdowne Road.
The 37-year-old Staunton, capped a record 102 caps by Ireland during his playing days, was appointed the national team boss in January with former England boss Sir Bobby Robson named alongside him in a consultant's position.
Robson was taken ill ten days ago during Ipswich's opening Championship game of the season against Crystal Palace at Portman Road.
He spent two nights at Ipswich hospital under observation before being released and is not expected to be in attendance for the game with Holland.