GAA apology to racially abused player

THE GAA has issued an apology to an African youngster who was subjected to racial taunts by spectators during an underage hurling match in Carlow on Monday.

Teboga Sebala, who is originally from Nigeria but has been living in Carlow town for the last four years, was racially abused as he played for Éire Óg in an U14 semi-final against O’Hanrahan’s.

The abuse, which is believed to have come from a group of teenage girls in the stands, was also condemned by Integration Minister Conor Linehan and the Gaelic Players Association.

Promising “substantial funding” to assist sporting organisations with integrating immigrants, the minister said: “When it comes to racist attacks, we lie mid-table compared to other European countries, but even one racist attack is one too many.”

12-year-old Teboga, has said that the racist comments will not put him off playing Gaelic games.

The GAA confirmed the Carlow county board is investigating the matter.

The Croke Park statement read: “The Association offers its unreserved apologies to the victim, Teboga Sebala, and his family and promises to continue to strive to ensure integration continues apace and racism, if and when it manifests itself, is effectively and adequately dealt with.”

The GAA also confirmed that motions will be put before congress next April which will enshrine anti-racism rules in the official rule book.

The organisation’s views were echoed by the Gaelic Players Association and Show Racism the Red Card, an initiative of Irish sports stars and organisations designed to combat racism in all sports.

The co-ordinator of Show Racism the Red Card, Garrett Mullan, said: “We have been working with all of the players’ bodies in Ireland to promote integration and to use players to educate and promote a positive message.”

The chief executive of the Gaelic Players Association, Dessie Farrell added: “As a players’ body we condemn all forms of racism... We will continue to work and support the campaign to show racism the red card.”