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League of Ireland club 'fully co-operating with the authorities on the matter'. Ken Sutton/INPHO

Investigation opened into alleged racism towards Shamrock Rovers player

Waterford FC has issued a statement expressing their disappointment about the incident which allegedly took place in a match between the sides.

LAST UPDATE | 17 May

WATERFORD FC HAVE condemned “an allegation of racism towards a Shamrock Rovers player” during last night’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game at the RSC.

The Blues issued a statement this morning sharing their disappointment at the alleged incident, and confirming that they are “fully co-operating with the authorities on the matter”.

The League of Ireland later revealed that they have been made aware of the matter and that an investigation has been opened into the alleged incident. 

“Waterford Football Club are disappointed to be made aware of an allegation of racism towards a Shamrock Rovers player during our SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game on Friday 16th May,” the club statement reads.

“We are a community-based football club who pride ourselves on our inclusion and are proud to welcome all to the RSC.

“The club take all reports of discrimination incredibly seriously and are fully co-operating with the authorities on the matter.

“We stand side by side with the League of Ireland and our supporters in taking a zero-tolerance approach to tackling racism within the game.

“Waterford Football Club would encourage anyone who witnesses such behaviour to report in confidence via our direct number 051-271160 or via email to [email protected].”

A statement from the League of Ireland reads:

“The League of Ireland can confirm that we have been made aware of an alleged incident of racist abuse towards a Shamrock Rovers player last night from a supporter in attendance at their fixture against Waterford in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

“In accordance with FAI regulations on racism and discrimination, an investigation has been opened into the incident and we will work with both Clubs, An Garda Síochána and all relevant stakeholders throughout this process.

“The FAI and the League of Ireland condemn any acts of discrimination or racism in our League and have a zero-tolerance policy when dealing with racism in our game towards players or staff, be it on a football pitch, at a stadium or online.”

Shamrock Rovers won last night’s game 3-1.

Additional reporting by Sinéad Farrell

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