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Wayne Rooney celebrates his late goal against Rangers with Limerick pitch invader Ian O'Donoghue. AP Photo/Chris Clark
Glasgow Kiss

'No regrets' says Limerick man despite ban for Wayne Rooney goal celebration

Corbally United striker misses cup game on Shannonside because of Glasgow court appearance.

MILLIONS OF SOCCER fans saw a single Manchester United fan emerge from the away end at Ibrox last week to celebrate with Wayne Rooney after the United striker converted a penalty.

Now it has emerged thanks to today’s Limerick Leader that the supporter was Treaty native, Ian O’Donoghue.

O’Donoghue rushed the pitch in the late stages of the Champions League game as Rooney – returning for the first time since his protracted transfer saga – clinched the win for the Old Trafford side in Glasgow.

The 23-year-old Corbally United centre forward ultimately missed a Tuohy Cup match in Jackman Park the following evening as he was made to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

He was fined £400 and banned from attending British football games two years  – but he says he has no regrets. He told the Leader, succinctly:

I don’t regret it one bit.

Noel Hanley, secretary of Corbally United was watching the match when he saw ‘Iano’ embracing Rooney – but didn’t believe his eyes. He told the Petula Martyn:

He was due to play on Thursday night under lights at Jackman and obviously he wasn’t there and that’s how we found out about it. All the lads had it.

He’s a passionate Man United follower. That’s what happened him I’d say, in the spur of the moment when they scored he ran out on the pitch.

For more information read this story in today’s Limerick Leader

Watch the footage below: