For all of his marvellous skill, I started to despise Gazza during a game at Maine Rd. sometime in the eighties. I was in the middle of the Kippax, with an excellent view of the following incident; perhaps some other fans on the forum saw it too:
During a City attack, the ball came to Paul Lake, roughly on the halfway line. Paul trod on the ball and lost his balance and Gazza took full advantage and got a goal. So far, fair enough, but at the same time he did the 'donkey's ears' sign at Paul - a complete lack of respect shown towards one of the best (if not THE best) of City's crop of young talent at the time.
To me, this was a good indication of Gazza's attitude to people in general and my opinion was later borne out by reports of his treatment of his family.
Paul Lake's career was ended prematurely by injury which could not be blamed on him.
Gazza's finished early because of his own character weaknesses.
I know which one has my sympathy.
During a City attack, the ball came to Paul Lake, roughly on the halfway line. Paul trod on the ball and lost his balance and Gazza took full advantage and got a goal. So far, fair enough, but at the same time he did the 'donkey's ears' sign at Paul - a complete lack of respect shown towards one of the best (if not THE best) of City's crop of young talent at the time.
To me, this was a good indication of Gazza's attitude to people in general and my opinion was later borne out by reports of his treatment of his family.
Paul Lake's career was ended prematurely by injury which could not be blamed on him.
Gazza's finished early because of his own character weaknesses.
I know which one has my sympathy.