Anti-Irish slur prompts FAI to throw book at Dundalk 'keeper Shelvey

SEEING RED: Dundalk shot-stopper George Shelvey. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The FAI’s disciplinary committee have thrown the book at Dundalk goalkeeper George Shelvey after deeming his slur of “Irish c***” at referee Rob Harvey on Monday worthy of a 10-match ban.

The abuse was dished out at the conclusion of a feisty Louth derby which Drogheda United won 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner by Harvey Cann. Tension on the pitch was matched by verbals between the opposing supporters in the main stand, where Dundalk owner Brian Ainscough felt obliged to get involved.

Drogs goalkeeper Jethren Barr was sent off by Mr Harvey on 70 minutes for a foul outside the box that led to the Dundalk equaliser and Shelvey followed at full-time.

The English-born stopper – recruited on a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest – was led away from the officials by a staff member after heated exchanges between players at the culmination of a tetchy encounter before a sold-out crowd at Weaver’s Park.

In accordance with the regulations, the FAI’s disciplinary committee convened on Wednesday, deciding to impose a whopping ban.

While a "breach of the FAI regulations on racism/discrimination" was cited for the sanction, the actual abuse was of an anti-Irish nature.

In light of the statement on the matter, Dundalk have moved to note that they will not be lodging an appeal against the ban.

"Following a process completed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit, Dundalk FC can confirm that George Shelvey has been suspended for 10 matches for using discriminatory language towards the referee at the end of the game with Drogheda United on May 6th," a Dundalk statement read.

"The player attended today’s Independent Disciplinary Control Unit hearing in which he explained that he deeply regrets the language that he used towards the referee.

"While George realised very quickly that he had used inappropriate language, he did not, at first, comprehend the discriminatory aspect of his words.

"However, having discussed the matter with club officials he now fully accepts that his words were not only offensive, but also discriminatory.

"Both George, and the club, accept the sanction imposed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit and will not be making an appeal.

"Going forward, Dundalk FC will work with George to develop his understanding of these issues.

"The club will be making no further comment on the matter at this time."

It’s unclear what the future now holds for Shelvey at Oriel Park, for he’ll be unavailable for almost half the matches remaining for the side anchored to the foot of the table, five points adrift of Drogs. They travel to face Waterford on Friday.