Luxembourg won't be distracted by Gerson Rodrigues controversy against Ireland says manager
Luc Holtz insists his Luxembourg side are not distracted by the ongoing controversy over Gerson Rodrigues ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Ireland.
The striker – who scored the winner in a 2021 World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road – has been handed an 18-month suspended sentence after being convicted of three assault offences, including against his former girlfriend Emily Boland. His appeal against the sentence was rejected.
Rodrigues's presence in the team for Friday's defeat against Slovenia prompted protests from a section of supporters, with banners confiscated.
Although the Luxembourg federation issued an apology on Monday for the heavy-handedness of security, outlining their position on Rodrigues in a long statement, the manager batted away questions about the episode on the eve of facing Ireland.
'Nothing interests this team,' Holtz said of the media storm still swirling around Luxembourg and beyond.
'The focus is on the pitch. Everything not on the pitch, in the stands, outside should not distract this team.'
Pressed further on the matter, in particular why the manager continues to select a player convicted of such a serious crime, the federation media officer Marc Diederich intervened.
'The reason the federation allows the manager to pick the player is because the punishment came from the court,' he contended on the basis of double jeopardy.
'It is not a reason for the public or the journalists to give him a second punishment for the same thing.
'He did not go to prison and is free to do everything, including go to the supermarket. He could play for the club and national team.
'There are similar examples of players who continued to play after conviction, including Lucas Hernandez.
'Nobody says it is okay to bother a woman. Our player is getting a second chance and we have said this can never happen again.'
Rodrigues, who has just completed his eight loan spell away from parent club Dynamo Kyiv, will spearhead their attack at the Stade de Luxembourg in what is their final friendly before the World Cup qualifiers kick off in September.
First up in a group that includes Germany and Slovakia is Northern Ireland.
Just like arranging a friendly against Slovakia's neighbours Slovenia, there's a purpose to undertaking a dry run against Ireland.
'It will be a very good test because both Ireland and Northern Ireland are physically very strong players,' said Holtz, embracing the stereotypes.
'They high intensity in the game. The mentality is quite close between Ireland and Northern Ireland so this is perfect preparation for the match in September.'
Holtz's first magic moment of his five-year spell at the helm came in an Covid-19 enforced empty Lansdowne Road in 2021 but Ireland exacted revenge by running out 3-0 victors in the return.
'The team did not change so much since 2021, only a few new young players being added,' he summarised as the difference between the team led by Stephen Kenny against what he'll be confronted by under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
'Ireland's other players have now got more experience and confidence but football is the same in 2021 and 2025. Maybe we have more experience too.'
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'It is just another interesting chapter in life, and I wish his family well. 'I remain eternally grateful that it was me, not Bev or Henry who were stabbed, and reflect how ironic that a burns surgeon should wish to immolate our family.' Henry Perks, Mr Perks' son, described Brooks as a 'highly dangerous and remorseless individual' and 'nothing more than a bully', adding: 'He simply has no morals, sees no wrong in his actions and will stop at nothing to hurt those he perceives to have wronged him. A container of fuel found in Peter Brooks' bike pannier. (Nottinghamshire Police/PA) News in 90 Seconds - 09 June 2025 'I have no doubt his failure to silence my father will consume his mind and make him dangerous in the years after his release.' Ms Ayling said Brooks was 'manipulative' and had shown no remorse for what he had done. She said: 'He believes himself to be not guilty of the offences. He believes he has been unlawfully tried. 'He has a history of being manipulative.' Mitigating, Mr Leslie said it was a 'single act of violence' and that there was no pre-planning beyond the day of the attack. He said Brooks had petrol in his garage because he was a motorbike enthusiast and that he is 'beginning to show remorse' for what he had done. He told the court: 'He has done a lot of good in the world for many people. He should be provided with a chance to reform himself. There is still good in him. 'He is now 61, he must have the opportunity of coming out in his lifetime to return to society and be given the opportunity to carry out the good work he has demonstrated.' Matches and a lighter were also found in Peter Brooks's bike pannier (Nottinghamshire Police/PA) Mr Justice Pepperall said Brooks must serve a minimum of 22 years, with time spent in prison already taking that to 17 years and 223 days, for the two counts of attempted murder. A sentence of six years for arson and 18 months for possessing a knife are to run concurrently. In a statement after Brooks was sentenced, Sam Shallow from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Peter Brooks committed an act of extreme violence, attempting to murder a highly respected colleague. 'This was a planned, calculated attack, in which Brooks showed he was determined to kill his former colleague. 'Since committing these atrocious acts, Brooks has sought to evade responsibility. He has requested late adjournments, dispensed with his legal team, and used his health to avoid proper progress of the court proceedings. 'On each of the nine occasions the case has been listed at court, the prosecution team has been ready. 'Justice has now caught up with Brooks. 'His victim was fortunate to escape with his life and his whole family were in danger from Brooks's inexplicable actions. 'Despite the physical and emotional trauma they have endured, they have come to court to tell their story on two separate occasions. 'This has been a long process for them, but I hope that finally seeing these proceedings coming to a close will help them in their recovery from this ordeal.'
