FAI report racist comments directed at Ireland U15 players during match with UAE

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that they have reported incidents of racism directed towards Irish players during a Boys Under-15s match with UAE on Thursday. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE.

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that they have reported incidents of racism directed towards Irish players during a Boys Under-15s match with UAE on Thursday.

The FAI say that three separate comments, made towards two Irish players, have been reported to match officials and organisers of the Torneo Delle Nazioni tournament in Italy.

The Association also insists they have offered their full support to the players affected as well as the teammates, staff and the families of the players involved.

In a statement released on Friday, the FAI announced: "The FAI does not tolerate any form of racism towards our players or staff, be it on a football pitch, at a stadium or online.

"Following another recent act of racism towards an Under-17s Ireland player in March, the FAI condemns such acts and expect a full investigation into the incidents that took place with appropriate action to be taken."

Ireland Boys Under-15s Head Coach Jason Donohue added: “As players and staff we are appalled that we still have players subjected to racism in youth football. Football is a global game that welcomes everybody and there is no place for racist behaviour.

"The players involved have our support, as do their families and teammates. We have a duty to our players and staff, present and future, to call out incidents like this and fully expect the relevant bodies to investigate this and apply strong disciplinary action.”