SPORT Kerry FC ‘angered’ by racist remarks

Club issue strong statement in response to online abuse of their players

Kerry FC have condemned racist online abuse aimed at some of their players during last weekend’s game against Athlone Town.

Kerry fell to a narrow home defeat to Athlone on Friday night but the football was overshadowed by a small number of comments that were posted by one anonymous Twitter user in response to tweets from the club’s official account. The racist remarks, which were still vis- ible as this publication went to print, made reference to the number of black players in Kerry’s squad.

The Tralee-based club released a statement early on Saturday denouncing the comments.

“Kerry FC is shocked, disappointed and angry at racist abuse of our players on social media during our game against Athlone Town last night,” an official communique read.

“Kerry FC is working with the FAI and the League of Ireland to Kick It Out of our game. Kerry FC condemns discrimination in football and will not tolerate any form of hate towards any of our players or staff.

“Mounthawk Park and Kerry FC is a community where all people are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, and other diverse backgrounds.”

The League of Ireland said Kerry FC has their “full support in condemning this unacceptable behaviour towards their players”.

The fan group Kerry FC Ultras also took a strong stance on the racist comments.

“Let’s lay this down very early,” they tweeted. “Racists are not welcome in Mounthawk Park. They hate our open society and we should remove them from enjoying any aspect of it. No football for fascists.”

Similar online comments relating to the number of black players on the Ireland U15 team were condemned by the Football Association of Ireland last week.

"The FAI is aware of vile and horrific racist abuse aimed at players from our men’s U15 international squad on multiple social media outlets.

"The FAI takes the protection of all Irish players seriously. We abhor such ignorant and unacceptable online abuse of any player and we are working with the gardaí, the social media companies, the families of the players and their clubs to ensure that this matter is dealt with in the appropriate manner. "We have spoken with the players and their families tonight and offered them our full support."

On the pitch, Kerry FC’s latest defeat means they remain at the foot of the First Division table. The newcomers have lost five of their first six matches at this level but a draw with Treaty United and some encouraging performances against established League of Ireland clubs has given supporters cause for optimism. All of their home matches to date have been sell-outs.

Next up for Billy Dennehy’s side is a trip to the midlands to take on Longford Town. The game, which takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday, can be streamed live on LOITV. Longford are also seeking their first win of the 2023 season.