Fulham mates show Damien Duff no mercy after World Cup tears

Damien Duff’s Fulham team-mates helped ease his heartbreak at missing out on the World Cup finals - by laughing at him crying his eyes out on television.

The Republic of Ireland winger was left devastated after his country were robbed of a memorable play-off victory in Paris by Thierry Henry’s blatant handball.

Cameras focused on him sobbing at the final whistle, but he received little sympathy from his Fulham pals when he returned to club football.

Jonathan Greening said:  “You do feel for them because Ireland were the better team over two legs and they deserve to be going to the finals.

“There’s nothing they can do about it now and it is such a shame. Damien was pretty low, understandably, so to help him we have given him some stick!

“There was some banter when he first came in but he probably expected it.

“We brought up the fact he was seen crying on TV. He’ll get some abuse for a few weeks and then it will settle down.

“He likes to take the mickey as much as anyone so he is getting a bit back.”