
Craig Bellamy has never been one to shirk away from the spotlight. So when the Welsh star stepped forward for an interview following Wales’ defeat to Finland, many figured fireworks would ensue. They were right (video below).
Bellamy blasted into not only the Finland and goalscorer Jonatan Johansson (who he didn’t rate highly), but his squad as well, claiming that the Welsh side has no shot of qualifying for future tournaments because they’ve played so poorly. The striker also went on to question the state of Welsh football as a whole.
Just days after the event, Bellamy remained unwavering on his comments that led to an uproar amongst Welsh supporters.
“I stand by what I said after the game. Maybe I could have chosen my words differently, but I still very much believe in what I said. I could have worded it differently, but I have to put up with that.
Bellamy also hit out at the dour atmosphere at the Millenium Stadium, claiming that supporters should watch Northern Ireland and the way they handle themselves. The striker claimed that if he had a raucous crowd at a match that it could get him going. Surely a nine-iron could also do the trick?
“You watch Northern Ireland, they achieve results. You need to get into peoples’ faces, you need a battle.
“We need an atmosphere and we haven’t got that (at the Millennium). And we are certainly not generating anything, how am I supposed to play in that.
“Teams like coming here. It is too nice for them. It is a very good stadium with empty seats and no pressure, no atmosphere. They just go out against us and just play how they like. We cannot force the issue.
Bellamy’s original rant is below: