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Bramble on Racist Abuse - Ipswich Town News

Town's Titus Bramble has commented on the racial abuse directed at him and some of his England U21 colleagues during the game in Tirana yesterday. Bramble was a 25th minute sub in the 1-0 England win.

The Town centre-half said: "It was the first time I have experienced racist chanting at a game. It was not very pleasant but you have to try to ignore it and get on with your game. In some ways it makes you raise your game."

He added: "Darius [Vassell] and Shola [Ameobi] were getting a lot of abuse as well and because there were not that many people in the crowd you could hear it very clearly."

As reported yesterday the FA have complained to UEFA and they are also trying to get action from the Albanian FA and FIFA ahead of tonight's senior game.

George Burley has commented on Jim Magilton's knee problems which require surgery in the summer. Magilton will have to miss either Northern Ireland's June internationals or the start of Town's new season.

Yesterday Magilton described his problem as "knots in the veins" and said he had a delicate balancing act to time the operations correctly and would talk to both George Burley and Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy about the matter. George Burley said: "Jim needs an operation on his varicose veins and we will have to sort a suitable date when he comes back from international duty."

Matt Holland is likely to make his ninth appearance for Ireland tonight when he lines up alongside Roy Keane in the Irish midfield. The Town skipper came on as a late sub in the 4-0 Irish win over Cyprus but starts tonight's game against Andorra in Barcelona.

Matt said: "I'm very pleased to be starting and I would not mind scoring, that would be very nice. I'm feeling good and can't wait for the game. If we can get a win it will put us in a good position with Portugal to play next."

Town will be releasing details of the new season ticket prices later in the week. As soon as we have them they will be available on the site.

Thanks for the excellent response to the Booby Robson tribute we began yesterday. There have been an enormous number already and they make very interesting reading. As er said we hope to gatehr them together to give to the great man on his return to Portman Road. Add your memories: http://www.twtd.co.uk/robson

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