Westport will not be informed of case verdict after ladies footballer allegedly suffered racial abuse

The Westport player and witnesses attended a Connacht CODA hearing and a subsequent appeal last week.

Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Westport Ladies Football officials say they have not been told the outcome of a hearing and appeal after one of their players was allegedly racially abused during a Connacht Club Championship match last November.

Westport lost out in the Connacht semi-final to eventual All-Ireland champions Kilkerrin Clonberne. Their player and witnesses subsequently attended a Connacht CODA hearing and a subsequent appeal last week.

It is understood that as their club members attended the hearing as witnesses on behalf of Connacht CODA, the club is not considered a named party and, as such, will not receive official confirmation. The club confirmed to the Irish Examiner that they have not been informed of the outcome, despite their members attending both hearings.

“The club can confirm that our members attended a CODA hearing in respect of an issue of racial abuse directed at one of our club members,” it stated.

“Our members also attended an appeal on the 24th of February as part of the association’s disciplinary process.

“While we respect the procedures provided for within the association’s framework, it was regrettable that our members had to revisit what was already a very difficult and upsetting experience. Our club unequivocally rejects racism in all its forms. There is no place in our sport or our community for discriminatory behaviour of any kind.

“We believe that conduct of this nature must be treated with the utmost seriousness, and that any sanctions imposed should properly reflect the gravity of such behaviour. We stand firmly behind any individual who is subjected to abuse and remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for players, officials, volunteers and supporters alike.

“We are proud of our member for having the courage to raise this issue through the appropriate channels and to participate in the disciplinary process. Taking a stand against discrimination helps uphold the standards and values that are central to our club.

“Racism has no place in sport at any level, and our club will continue to promote the values of respect, dignity and equality for all.”

When asked what was the outcome from the hearing or what steps have been taken to support the player involved, an LGFA spokesperson said: “We generally don’t comment on disciplinary cases. As an association, however, the LGFA stands against any form of racism.”

Galway LGFA added: “Galway LGFA cannot make any comments in relation to Disciplinary hearings.”

The official LGFA guide does outline a timeline in its hearings procedure.

“Following the hearing and after considering the evidence, submissions, documentation, and aggravating and mitigating factors the Appeals Committee shall deliver a Notice of Decision of the Appeals Committee (See Appendix 14) on the parties within 48 hours of the conclusion of the hearing.”