Wolves' Leigh Griffiths makes amends as shot strikes pensioner
Wolves striker Leigh Griffiths was today praised for his conduct after giving his shirt to a lifelong fan who was left dazed by one of his shots.
Geoff Mortimer, aged 75, was hit by a stray shot from the Scotland international as the players warmed up before Saturday's 1-0 win at Shrewsbury.
Father-of-three Mr Mortimer, a retired shift manager for a dairy products firm, said: "I was sitting slightly the right of the goal in row E and the players were shooting into the goal.
"Normally I keep my eye out to see if there are any shots coming my way but I happened to glance to the right and the ball smacked me on the side of the face.
"It knocked me over and by the time I'd pulled myself up, there were three stewards around me asking if I was OK. The next thing I knew Leigh was shaking my hand asking me if I was alright.
"He said something which I didn't catch but the steward said 'he's going to give you his shirt'. Anyway at the end of the game, the stewards took me to the front where I met Leigh.
"He asked me if I was OK again and handed me his shirt, which I really appreciated – it was a lovely gesture.
"People have asked if I would sell it, but I wouldn't sell it for £3,000 – it's the Wolvers number nine shirt worn by people like Derek Dougan, John Richards and Steve Bull.
"You read so much bad publicity about footballers but this showed another side. People have been ringing the club to ask about me and I'd like to thank everyone for their concern."
Griffiths said: "I felt really bad about it and was just pleased he was alright.
"I wanted him to have my shirt after the game and, even though I'd been substituted, made sure I hung onto it to hand at over at full-time."
Mr Mortimer, from Tamworth, was attending the game with his youngest son Philip, 45, and his friend Simon Webster. All three are season ticket holders in the Billy Wright Stand.
Supporting Wolves is a family affair for Mr Mortimer, who has watched the club home and away since the 1950s.
Eldest son David, who lives in Hednesford, is a season ticket holder in the Stan Cullis Stand with his son Andrew, while daughter Karen is also a fan.
