Northern Ireland pair brawl on plane

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Punches were thrown between Keith Gillespie and George McCartney after a verbal exchange and other players were forced to intervene.

It is understood Sheffield United winger Keith Gillespie (left) and West Ham defender George McCartney will be among those IFA bosses want to speak to.

The incident happened as players were taking their seats on the 0740 Icelandair flight to London Heathrow.

Punches were thrown before other squad members quickly intervened to calm the situation, according to eye witnesses.

Cabin crew staff reported the incident to Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington before the flight took off.

One of those on board the flight said: "I was walking down to my seat and I saw a commotion in the middle of the plane.

"There were players involved and punches thrown, but it was over almost as quickly as it started.

"A flurry of other players waded in and calmed everything down.

"Nigel Worthington was further up the plane, and senior cabin crew went down and had a word with the players involved."

IFA Chief Executive Howard Wells confirmed an inquiry had begun.

He was with other officials on a separate flight home from the game, which Northern Ireland lost 2-1, and is now preparing to talk to those close to the alleged brawl.

As he returned to Belfast Mr Wells said: "Until we know what's happened it would be unfair to prejudice anything."

It is understood Sheffield United winger Keith Gillespie and West Ham defender George McCartney will be among those IFA bosses want to speak to.

In a statement the Association said: "An incident occurred today between team members of the senior Northern Ireland squad which the president (Raymond Kennedy) and chief executive are aware of.

"Both the president and the chief executive will investigate the situation and take appropriate action."