Ballymena United secured a shock 2-1 victory over Linfield in their opening Premiership clash, sparking a week of heated debate. Linfield manager David Healy has now spoken out against the 'disgraceful' abuse directed at his team and staff following the defeat. The Blues bounced back with a 2-1 win over Glentoran, but Healy remains concerned about the toxic atmosphere surrounding the club.
What happened at Windsor Park?
Linfield suffered their first defeat of the season against Ballymena United, with the Sky Blues currently sitting 4th in the Premiership with 3 points from 2 games (1W-0D-1L). The loss was followed by a barrage of abuse from a minority of fans, both at the stadium and on social media. Healy described the level of hatred as 'unacceptable' and called on the club to issue a statement condemning the behavior.
Why is this significant for Ballymena United?
The victory over Linfield was a statement of intent for Ballymena United, who are looking to build on their recent form. Despite a 2-1 loss to Crusaders FC last week, the Sky Blues have shown they can compete with the top teams in the league. With 4 goals scored and 2 conceded so far this season, they are currently 3 points behind leaders Cliftonville FC.
What's next for Ballymena United?
Ballymena United will face Glentoran at home on August 21st, with the Saints currently sitting 5th in the table. The Sky Blues will be looking to continue their strong start to the season and climb up the standings.
