Rovers deny racial abuse claims

SHAMROCK ROVERS last night categorically denied one of their players racially abused Derry City striker Eamon Zayed during Monday’s Premier Division game at Tallaght Stadium.

Derry manager Stephen Kenny said in post-match interviews that Zayed had also been racially abused by sections of the home crowd during last Friday’s match between Derry and St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.

“Shamrock Rovers became aware (yesterday) of a complaint made by a Derry City player against one of our players after (Monday) night’s game,” Rovers said in a statement issued late last night.

“The club has spoken to the player in question and he completely refutes the accusation that has been made against him. The club will of course cooperate with the FAI investigation in a bid to clear the name of the player involved and the club.”

Both the FAI and the players’ union are investigating. Dublin-born Zayed, whose father is Tunisian, played underage international football for the Republic of Ireland but has since become a full international for Libya, whom he qualifies to play for through his grandparents.

“The FAI takes all instances of racist abuse very seriously and does not condone nor accept any racist behaviour or attitudes,” said Airtricity League director Fran Gavin. “However, there is a complete process to go through when allegations of this nature are made.”

Zayed has also lodged a compliant with the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland. St Patrick’s Athletic will also investigate the claims that their supporters abused Zayed.