When soccer and racism collide

Scottish-born Ireland internationals Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy, can expect a frosty reception when they line out for the Republic of Ireland tomorrow night. Aine Haggerty explores why.

Throughout their playing careers in Scotland, both players suffered sustained racist abuse as a result of their Irish heritage and choice to play for Ireland at an international level, and tensions are rising ahead of the game this week.

But it’s not only McGeady and McCarthy who have experienced the problem. Perhaps the most high profile victim in recent times in Scotland of anti-Irish abuse is former Celtic manager, now at Bolton Wanderers, Neil Lennon, who on top of dealing with particularly vicious hate lived a life with his family under heavy security protection.