Mother's Anger At 'Handcuffs' Gesture

A footballer has come under fire by the mother of two young boys, who were killed in a motorway crash, for a "handcuffs" goal celebration, allegedly in support of a convicted drink-driver.

Ipswich midfielder David Norris crossed his wrists in what looked like a "handcuffs" sign after scoring the only goal in the club's win at Blackpool on Saturday.

The celebration was seen as an apparent message to former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Luke McCormick, who is serving a seven-years-and-four month jail sentence for causing the deaths of Arron Peak, 10, and his eight-year-old brother Ben.

McCormick was twice the drink-drive limit when he ploughed into a car carrying the brothers on the M6 in Staffordshire on June 7. The 26-year-old had been at Norris' wedding, and was described by experts as "at best semi-conscious" after drinking all night.

Amanda Peak, the boys' mother told the Daily Mirror said Norris should be punished, and said she was "disgusted" with Norris.

"To celebrate a goal like that is disrespectful to me and my husband and my boys. He should be given a ban by his club," she said.

"Norris is doing this in front of thousands of supporters, including children, and sending out the wrong message that we can drink and drive and it's okay to kill someone."

However, Norris denied making the "handcuffs" gesture and apologised for causing any offence.

He said: "It wasn't a handcuffs sign it was a private message but I can see how people might have seen it like that and I apologise if it's caused any offence. Luke is a friend of mine. He made a massive mistake and is paying for that."

Mrs Peak's husband Phil was driving the Toyota Previa people carrier which was hit by McCormick's Range Rover. He has to wear a neckbrace and also may have to undergo surgery to ease his constant pain.

(JM)