Gardai are investigating an alleged racist remark at the League of Ireland First Division clash between Kerry FC and Longford Town on Friday night.
On Saturday, Kerry issued a statement which alleges that one of their players was subjected to the racist remark during the 0-0 draw between the two sides at Mounthawk Park.
"Kerry Football Club is aware of an alleged 'racial' remark directed at one of our players during last night’s SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division game against Longford Town," the club said.
"The club continues to work with the FAI and the League of Ireland to kick racism out of the game. Kerry FC stands with the player affected and he is receiving all support available to him at this time.
"We condemn discrimination in football and will not tolerate any form of hate towards any of our players or staff.
"Mounthawk Park and Kerry FC is a community where all people are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, and other diverse backgrounds. The matter has been referred to An Garda Siochana."
Kerry FC Statement - 09/09/2023https://t.co/6eNzk6poEr#WeAreKerryFC
— Kerry Football Club (@KerryFC) September 9, 2023
Gardai investigating alleged incident at Kerry FC
Gardai confirmed to RTE that the alleged incident is being investigated, and that "an integral and essential part of every criminal investigation is to determine the motivation of any alleged offence."
Bray Wanderers forward Yoyo Mahdy is among those speaking out on the alleged remark, as he tweeted the following:
"Disgraceful that this is happening. Not the first incident this year and won’t be the last either I’d imagine. We need to do more to get this out of our league, not enough action gets taken."
Disgraceful that this is happening. Not the first incident this year and won’t be the last either I’d imagine. We need to do more to get this out of our league, not enough action gets taken👎🏼 https://t.co/40bhgo0cO0
— Yoyo Mahdy (@Yoyomahdy98) September 9, 2023
Kerry FC condemn alleged racism again
This is the second time in their maiden League of Ireland season that Kerry have condemned alleged racist remarks towards their players.
Back in March, the club stated that they were "shocked, disappointed and angry at racist abuse of our players on social media during our game against Athlone Town."
