Gazza’s decline continues, this time the 52-year-old appears to have been making a nuisance of himself on a train from York to Newcastle.
Interesting to note how two very different newspapers ran the story from two slightly different angles.
The Sun cover what appear to be the bare bones of the tale, with the fallen Tottenham/Lazio/Rangers ace ‘in drink’ and engaging himself in conversation with a woman – with whom Paul then went on to plant an unsolicited and unwelcome kiss on the lips. The Sun piece includes lots of mitigation shared with the Court from supporters such as Ricky Hatton, with the claim being that ‘Gazza kisses everyone’.
The Guardian provides Court reportage that offers far less hope. Gazza drinking from a milk carton which contained a liquid that, “wasn’t the colour of milk.”
Food smears on Gazza’s face, food on the floor, along with empty beer cans all paint a picture of someone you wouldn’t want to be in the same train carriage with you, let alone slathering at your face.
“Gascoigne became abusive to other passengers when they confronted him about what had happened.”
Football fans retain ‘soft spots’ for ex-players, which is fair enough. However, post football Gazza is now beyond help, an unlovable mess.
If you want to help Paul – don’t buy tickets to his live shows, don’t buy any of his signed merchandise.
Oh, and if you ever find yourself in need of a character witness, perhaps decline Ricky Hatton’s offer to help you out.
The trial continues.