Linfield chairman Roy McGivern said that manager David Healy was “absolutely right” to call out the “personal” and “vile” abuse directed towards him in recent weeks.

Healy told the Belfast Telegraph, external that the abuse he, his players and staff received from Blues supporters in Windsor Park and online in the aftermath of their 3-0 defeat by Ballymena United on the opening day of the Irish Premiership season was “nothing short of disgraceful”.

McGivern stressed that while Blues supporters had the right to air their frustrations with performances on the pitch, they should not cross the line when it comes to abusing the manager and players.

“I’ve met with David this week and had a good chat with him. There are certainly no issues between David and the board. We totally understand fans get frustrated, I’ve been a fan of this club for well over 50 years and fans who pay their money for the games and season tickets and members tickets they’re entitled to give their opinions and be frustrated,” McGivern said.

“That’s part and parcel of football, we totally get that and no one is saying that’s not acceptable.

“What we are saying is, there is a line to be drawn and some of the personal, vile abuse that we’ve seen both online and in the stands at Windsor Park has just not been acceptable.

“I think David was absolutely right to call that out. I get where fans are coming from but please just show a bit of respect to the players, to the staff, to the directors and other supporters in the stadium.”

McGivern also addressed Linfield’s financial situation, adding that there are “huge challenges facing the club at the moment”.

“It’s been a difficult and challenging start to the season. The European tie was one we expected to progress and over the two legs it was a game we should have won but we exit at round one and financially it causes huge issues for the club,” he explained.

“I know supporters are concerned. The board would share that concern and we are trying to address the range of financial challenges.”

He believes the club need to follow the likes of Coleraine, Glentoran Larne and most recently Cliftonville in accepting outside investment to continue to compete at the top of the table.

“We are in discussion with a number of parties about investment into the club but that all takes time.

“Some of that has appeared in the press recently in terms of the link with Rangers, so we’re doing all we can to take that forward whether that is a minority investment or someone taking total ownership of the club.

“All those options are still on the table but the club does need some sort of investment. We can’t stand still at this club.”