Hendrie ‘No Angel’ But Not That Low

Lee Hendrie has admitted ‘I’m no angel’ but says he would ‘never do anything so low’ as to have a go at a disabled fan.

Following the reports this week: Hendrie In Hot Water Again the soon to be ex-Villa midfielder said:

I’d ‘never, never threaten or abuse anyone in a similar position’ Adding, ‘I could not believe there was a story saying I had abused a man in a wheelchair because it is just not something I would do. I am no angel and I did have some banter as I always do with rival fans, but I would never, never stoop so low as this.’

‘There were some words exchanged with a fan sitting some way back who made a comment about my family. I admit I swore back, but I never once said anything to the disabled supporters. My Auntie Ruth’s son Glen is in a wheelchair – he has been ill for most of his life – and I would never do anything so low. When Juan and I got back to the dug-out he said to me that some of the fans had been ‘evil’ but there was nothing about this fan at all.’

‘This allegation has left me feeling really low and very angry. Everyone knows I have been a colourful character in the past but I just want to keep my head down and play for Aston Villa. I don’t want people who don’t know me to judge me. As a professional footballer you get used to banter and abuse – just recently I got vilified for making a joke to a Colchester player about him cleaning my Ferrari. That is all part of the wind-up on the pitch, but this allegation is very different and I hope people believe me when I say I did not say anything like this at all.’

Villa spokesman Phil Mepham also says there is a witness who says the comments weren’t made: ‘The witness is not a Villa or United fan and is prepared to make a statement on Lee’s behalf.’

Good, glad that has been cleared up, would hate any player to have done such a thing, especially whilst in a mighty claret and blue shirt.