Denver: my torment over sectarian slur

The Clough man has broken his silence over the incident after the Irish Football Association ruled he will not face any action, following an investigation into the behaviour of a small section of Northern Ireland fans at the Carling Nations Cup match against Scotland in Dublin in February.

Gage had been captured on an internet video clip standing close to supporters who were singing sectarian songs but always resolutely insisted that he was not involved in the singing.

He lifts the lid on the taunting he suffered from opposing supporters and players and his treatment in the national media, which included Sunday newspaper journalists calling at his home.

“I’m pretty sure that people who know me through football, work or wherever were saying ‘that’s not the Denver Gage that I know’ - they know I’m not that way inclined,” said Denver.

“It hasn’t been a pleasant few months and I’m relieved it’s all over,” he added.

Don’t miss this week’s Ballymena Times for full interview.