Waterford FC 'disappointed' over allegation fan racailly abused Shamrock Rovers star

"The club take all reports of discrimination incredibly seriously and are fully co-operating with the authorities on the matter," the club said in a statement.

Waterford supporters before the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Waterford and Shamrock Rovers at the Regional Sports Centre. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile.

Waterford FC have released a statement to say they are 'disappointed' to learn of an allegation that one of their supporters racially abused a Shamrock Rovers player on Friday night.

It is believed that a fan aimed a racist comment at teenager Victor Ozhianvuna prior to their Premier Division clash at the Regional Sports Centre, which Rovers won 3-1.

"Waterford Football Club are disappointed to be made aware of an allegation of racism towards a Shamrock Rovers player during our SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game on Friday 16th May," the club have said in a statement released on Saturday,

"We are a community-based football club who pride ourselves on our inclusion and are proud to welcome all to the RSC.

"The club take all reports of discrimination incredibly seriously and are fully co-operating with the authorities on the matter.

"We stand side by side with the League of Ireland and our supporters in taking a zero-tolerance approach to tackling racism within the game.

"Waterford Football Club would encourage anyone who witnesses such behaviour to report in confidence via our direct number 051-271160 or via email to [e-mail]."

The League of Ireland have also announced that they have opened an investigation into the matter.

"The League of Ireland can confirm that we have been made aware of an alleged incident of racist abuse towards a Shamrock Rovers player last night from a supporter in attendance at their fixture against Waterford in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

"In accordance with FAI regulations on racism and discrimination, an investigation has been opened into the incident and we will work with both Clubs, An Garda Síochána and all relevant stakeholders throughout this process.

"The FAI and the League of Ireland condemn any acts of discrimination or racism in our League and have a zero-tolerance policy when dealing with racism in our game towards players or staff, be it on a football pitch, at a stadium or online."