League of Ireland club 'angry' at racist abuse on social media of its players

A League of Ireland club says it is shocked at racist abuse directed at its players on social media during a game on Friday night. 

In a statement, Kerry FC it was: "shocked, disappointed and angry at racist abuse of our players on social media during our game against Athlone Town last night. Kerry FC is working with the FAI and the League of Ireland to Kick It Out of our game.

"Kerry FC condemns 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 statement read.

Athlone Town also condemned the incidents on Friday night on its social media accounts. 

Athlone Town AFC are aware of racist abuse of Kerry FC players both last night and last week. It is important to highlight that the incidents the previous week were children playing football. As a club we strongly condemn any form of racist abuse on social media or elsewhere. https://t.co/9IswC5zvNH

— Athlone Town AFC (@AthloneTownAFC) March 25, 2023 

The incident comes just days after players representing Ireland on the national U15 mens team were racially abused on social media. 

THE FAI condemned the "vile and horrific racist abuse" aimed at players from the Irish men's Under 15 international squad on multiple social media outlets.

"The FAI takes the protection of all Irish players seriously. We abhor such ignorant and unacceptable online abuse of any player and we are working with the Gardai, the social media companies, the families of the players and their clubs to ensure that this matter is dealt with in the appropriate manner," an FAI statement said.

The FAI also confirmed that it has spoken with the players and their families and offered them its full support.

FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill said: "There is no place for racism in football. To see such young players targeted in this manner is particularly sickening and the FAI will do everything in our power to ensure the perpetrators are identified and held responsible for their disgraceful actions".