NORTHERN IRELAND fans have proved their commendable antics at Euro 2016 was not just a front for the watching world.
The same Green and White Army were out in Prague recently as their nation got their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign up and running with a 0-0 draw against Czech Republic.
And while they were there, they gave a local – believed to be a homeless man – a night to remember by handing him a Northern Ireland shirt, a ticket to the match and a night on that famous Czech beer.
NI fans have given a homeless guy a top, ticket and multiple beers pic.twitter.com/bUGfufI7dG
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmithNI) September 4, 2016
The local had been spotted enthusiastically joining in with the visiting fans and their ‘Will Grigg’s on fire’ and ‘we’re not Brazil we’re Northern Ireland’ chants, hence the gestures from the Green and White Army.
Along with Republic of Ireland fans, Northern Ireland supporters were awarded a ‘Medal of the City’ by the Major of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, for their good behaviour during the Euros.
Neal Anderson, Chairman of London Northern Ireland Supporters' Club, is delighted the nation's fans are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
"Over the last 15 years, genuine Northern Ireland fans have been working very hard to change well out-of-date perceptions," he told The Irish Post.
"Often unseen are the official fans' games organised by supporters themselves, as well as charity efforts - for example we took clothes, food and monetary donations to an orphanage when we payed Azerbaijan.
"It's fabulous to see efforts like this now being recognised more widely. The award of the prestigious Medal of the City of Paris - deservedly shared with the Republic fans at Euro 2016 - and the recent assistance of a homeless man in Prague, are genuine examples of what the core Northern Ireland fanbase is all about.
"You only have to look at TV coverage and social media videos to see that the travelling Green and White Army are there to have fun while giving their full support to the team without exception."
