IPSWICH Town supporters' representatives today admonished under-fire David Norris for his insensitivity, but urged that his misguided celebration is put in perspective.

Josh Warwick

IPSWICH Town supporters' representatives today admonished under-fire David Norris for his insensitivity, but urged that his misguided celebration is put in perspective.

Norris has received widespread condemnation for his 'handcuffs' celebration at Blackpool on Saturday, a gesture of support aimed at drink-drive goalkeeper Luke McCormick.

McCormick is currently serving seven years and four months for causing the deaths of Arron Peak, ten, and his brother Ben, eight.

The former Plymouth Argyle player, who had been returning home from former team-mate Norris' wedding, was drunk when he fell asleep at the wheel and ploughed into the car in which the boys were travelling.

Norris was yesterday fined £24,000 by Ipswich Town, while the club announced they would make a donation to an “appropriate charity”.

Today, Colin Kreidewolf, secretary of Ipswich Town 1st, the club's supporters' trust, described Norris' actions as “stupid”.

“Norris can show his support for his friend in other ways - there's no need to show such insensitivity,” he said.

“It was a stupid thing to do and I hope he regrets it which seems the case as he has apologised very quickly.

“Norris needs to learn from this, but in this age of political correctness things can get wound up to be too much of a big thing.”

Evening Star columnist and TWTD fanzine editor Phil Ham claimed Norris had been naïve.

“Clearly it was an extremely insensitive thing to do. His intention was to lend support to his friend, who has obviously done a terrible thing. However, to do that in the public domain while wearing an Ipswich Town shirt and therefore representing the club is naïve.

“It (the 'handcuff' gesture) is something reprehensible. To rake it up again is a huge mistake. It was such a needless thing. I don't think he intended anything malicious by it and I think he was right to apologise to the Peak family.

“I don't think it will affect his relationship with (Ipswich) supporters in the long term, but why choose to make personal statements on issues such as that while representing the club?”

Supporters' club chairwoman Liz Edwards was at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

She said: “I had an Arsene Wenger moment and didn't actually see the goal celebration as I was doing one of my own at the time but I am sure he will already have realised it wasn't a good idea.

“After all, he is not the first player to sin in this way - Tim Cahill of Everton did a similar thing a year or so ago.

“We all make mistakes in our lives. Sometimes supporting your mate who has done something seriously stupid is the hardest thing to do.”

What do you think about Norris' gesture? Write to Sports Desk, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail sportsdesk@eveningstar.co.uk