A young Ipswich Town goalkeeper has apologised after posting “insensitive” messages on social media following the Manchester terror attack on Monday night.
Harry Wright, an Ipswich Town U18 goalkeeper and son of former Blues goalkeeper Richard Wright, said he made a “massive error of judgement” and deeply regrets the Snapchat message he posted in the immediate aftermath of the suicide bombing which claimed 22 lives, including children, at Manchester Arena.
The teenager, who was in Manchester at the time of the attack, posted on Snapchat a selfie, along with the caption ‘In Manchester with the bombs but still having a belta with my main man joe’.
In a statement issued by Ipswich Town, the footballer said: “I would like to apologise wholeheartedly for the insensitive comments I made on social media while out in Manchester last night.
“I wasn’t aware of the full situation regarding the tragic events when I made those comments but that is no excuse. It was a massive error of judgment and something I deeply regret.
“My thoughts and condolences go out to all the victims and their families.”
The Snapchat post, which was reposted on Twitter, was criticised by Town fans before the goalkeeper’s apology was issued yesterday afternoon.
Graeme Brooke said on Twitter: “What a disgrace Harry Wright should never wear the shirt again. Thick insensitive or both.”
Twitter user @itsoceloteitfc added: “From a Town fan, this is absolutely disgusting for all of us. These kind of behaviors shouldn’t be tolerated. Hope he would be punished.”
The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the Manchester suicide bombing, which killed 22 victims, including an eight-year-old girl, in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 attacks.
A lone bomber detonated a homemade device packed with nuts and bolts in the foyer of the Manchester Arena as thousands of young people were leaving a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande.
Ipswich Town spokesman Jonathon Ogle added: “The club would like to reiterate that our thoughts and condolences are with all those people affected by the deeply tragic events in Manchester last night.”
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