Clearer Water Irish Cup
NIFL chief and former Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor believes a healing process will begin on Saturday afternoon as the Reds take to the field for the first time since the sudden death of their player Michael Newberry.
Lawlor also revealed how last Monday’s heartbreaking news of the Cliftonville defender’s passing, on his 27th birthday, was the “toughest day” he’s endured in his three-and-a-half years as chief executive.
Cliftonville’s match with Dungannon Swifts was postponed as was Linfield’s game against Larne as Newberry had moved to Solitude from the Blues in the summer.
NIFL, however, decided to play the other remaining four Irish Premiership games, scheduled for Monday night, despite some criticism for doing so on social media platforms.
Lawlor stood by NIFL’s decision and confirmed that they received the blessing from Michael’s family to allow the other games to go ahead.
“I don’t mind saying this, but Monday afternoon was the toughest I’ve had in this job,” Lawlor said.
“We got a lot of criticism a few weeks ago [over playing games in stormy conditions and making very late call-off decisions] and the pressure was really on last Monday. I had to do what was right for NIFL and right for football. I had a lot of anxiety on Monday about reaching the right decision.
“But, no matter what we do, people will always have opinions. The amount of people that send me a tweet and think it’s important is plentiful, but we have to sit down and make very balanced decisions.
“It’s easy for people to sit in the house and be on their phone or computer giving their opinions – we are the ones that have to weigh everything up and try and reach the right decision.
“Some things made the decision very easy for us on Monday,” Lawlor added.
“Obviously Cliftonville’s and Linfield’s games were easy decisions to call off. Michael had friends in other clubs too and we spoke to those clubs.
“Some clubs left players out, but the wider point here was about those who maybe are suffering at home and are feeling lonely and maybe Monday night was their release to get out and attend a game of football.
“We also consulted Michael’s family via Cliftonville, and they wanted the other games to go ahead. There was a lot of thought that went into the decisions we made – sporting integrity, the transfer window opening up and other factors.
“I think we got the decision right by playing the other four games on Monday night.”
Newberry had joined Cliftonville at the start of the season and had established himself as a regular in Jim Magilton’s defence having previously enjoyed a successful period with Linfield.
“Michael was always a very pleasant, friendly person,” said Lawlor.
“Sometimes when NIFL was looking to put together a promotional video or needing players to make appearances, some would run a mile because it’s the last thing they want to do.
“But Michael was always so helpful. He was at the forefront of some of our Christmas promotions. He loved the league and always wanted to help promote it. I’ve nothing only positive things to say about my dealings with Michael.”
The Reds host minnows Banbridge Rangers at Solitude in an Irish Cup fifth round game in which both sides will pay a special tribute to the departed defender.
“There’s a healing process that needs to take place now,” said Lawlor.
“Michael was with Cliftonville for a short time and was with Linfield a lot longer, so there’s a football family to consider.
“I believe sport is a healer. It gives us hope – and it also puts life in perspective. I think it will be the start of a healing process at Cliftonville, but it is a very difficult time at the club and for some of the Linfield players who were very close to Michael.
“People will find hope in religion, some will find it in camaraderie, some will find it quiet moments and you just want people to express their grief as they see it.
“We need to help those through that journey as best we can… In society, we’ve no problem going to the doctors or the dentist - and we want to reach a point where it’s no different for people to seek help for anxiety or whatever mental health issue they may have. For me, seeking help should be no different than going to the dentist.”
