Healey touched by fans' support
September 10, 2001

Austin Healey revealed on Sunday that Leicester fans have offered to club together to pay his Lions fine.

The revelation followed a hero's reception for the outspoken star when he swapped Lions controversy for Tigers stripes on his return to club duty in the 45-15 thrashing of Wasps.

Less than 48 hours after being found guilty of bringing the Lions into disrepute and fined £2,000, almost 14,000 Tigers fans turned up to give him their full support.

It helped that his last appearance for Leicester had been a matchwinning role in the Heineken Cup final. But the rapturous ovation that greeted his arrival on the touchline as a late substitute was much more than a 'thank you' for his Paris performance.

It was a clear and unequivocal indication that while the Lions' top brass might not appreciate him, the Tigers' rank and file still worship the ground on which he walks.

"I couldn't believe the noise when I came on," Healey admitted. "It was very humbling to hear the reaction of supporters after what has been a difficult few days.

"I don't think I've ever received a reception like that before in my career. Even when I set up the last-minute try for Leon Lloyd which won us the Heineken Cup the cheer was not as loud.

"The fans here have always been brilliant and I knew they were behind me long before I was sent on. As I warmed up along the touchline one supporter after another offered to chip in towards the cost of my fine.

"That won't be necessary, but I appreciated the gesture."

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