Glentoran respond to on and off-field issues

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Striker Nacho Novo received a death threat, while the club is without a permanent manager

Glentoran have been hitting the headlines over the weekend.

News emerged their former Rangers striker Nacho Novo recently received a death threat.

GLENTORAN FC STATEMENT - 

"Glentoran FC confirms that as reported in the Sunday media, the PSNI recently reported a threat to the life of one of the club’s players.

"This is a highly sensitive issue and the club has been working closely with the police since it was first made aware of the threat. When first contacted by the PSNI we were informed that the level of the threat was deemed to be “high”. This has subsequently been reduced to “low”. While this is an improvement in the situation we remain vigilant.

"Glentoran will remain fully supportive of the player as he continues to experience an unnecessary and unacceptable ordeal.

"Glentoran has been a proactively inclusive, cross community football club since its inception in 1882. We employ players and coaching personnel irrespective of background. The same applies to our supporters."

Also, the club confirmed it has suspended full-back Aaron Smyth "pending the conclusion of an internal disciplinary process."

And on the pitch, the Glens crashed to a 2-0 Premiership defeat away to Ards in Director of Football Roy Coyle's first match as caretaker manager.

The search for a permanent successor to Alan Kernaghan continues and after Saturday's showing in Bangor, Coyle admits the new man will have his work cut out...



The victory against the Glens moved newly-promoted Ards up to second in the league table.

The North Down side's manager Niall Currie says it's early in the season and he's not getting carried away just yet...


Glentoran are back in action on Tuesday night, with a re-arranged league game against Glenavon at the Oval.

It wasn't a good weekend either for the Lurgan Blues - they crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat against Ballinamallard at Mourneview Park.

The Fermanagh side's first win of the season came courtesy of an injury time penalty from Adam Lecky.

Northern Ireland winger Paddy McCourt had earlier missed a chance to put Glenavon in front from the spot.


Two goals from Paul Heatley helped league leaders Crusaders come from behind to beat Dungannon 3-1 at Seaview and stay four points clear at the top.

Linfield beat basement club Portadown 4-1 at Windsor Park to go third.

Coleraine are up to fourth after their third league win in a row, 2-0 against Carrick Rangers at Ballycastle Road.

And Tony Kane scored two penalties in Ballymena's 3-2 win over visiting Cliftonville.

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