Gardai investigate racist tweet

GARDAI have confirmed that they are investigating a racist tweet which was allegedly aimed at a Shamrock Rovers player following a recent cup game in Dublin.

The abusive tweet is believed to have referred to one of the Tallaght based team’s players.

Southside People has seen a screen impression of the message and the Twitter account that the racist message was apparently sent from.

The vulgar and racist message appears to have been sent from the Twitter account of a female teenage Shamrock Rovers supporter.

It is understood that another Shamrock Rovers’ fan spotted the racist remark on Twitter and reported it to the anti-racism in football organisation, Show Racism the Red Card.

Garrett Mullan, a spokesman for Show Racism the Red Card, said he had deduced that the racist rant was aimed at a particular individual on the team. He also noted that the tweet was sent shortly after the match concluded.

“I was not watching the game but reports say that [the player] was having a bad game and was even getting booed for his play,

? Mr Mullan said.

“There is no problem with booing. However, quality of play has nothing to do with skin colour, nationality or religion.

?

He confirmed that Show the Red Card to Racism had reported the incident to the gardai.

He added:

“We hope action will be taken that sends out a strong message to all involved in football and the wider community that racism is unacceptable and that firm action will be taken in response.

“This incident goes to show that there can be no complacency when it comes to racism and that racism must be tackled in all areas, whether in school, sport or on the internet. People must be held accountable for their actions.

?

Mr Mullan said that Shamrock Rovers FC had been involved in its campaign to banish racism from the sport since 2006.

“Shamrock Rovers’ players have been to the fore of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign,

? he said.

“Colin Hawkins, Graham Gartland, Stephen Rice and Gary Twigg have all been out to schools promoting the message. Fans who think they are supporting the team by engaging in recent abuse ought to think again.

?

Earlier this year, a 21-year-old student in Wales received a two month jail sentence after he was prosecuted for sending a racist tweet about Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba, who was in a coma at the time.

Mr Muamba, who fell unconscious during an FA cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur, has since recovered.

A spokesperson for Shamrock Rovers said the club was aware of the racist material posted on the social media website.

“The club has asked the gardaí to investigate what is a very serious issue,

? the spokesperon said.

“The comments in question were extremely disturbing and this matter is being taken very seriously by Shamrock Rovers. We will do everything we can to cooperate with the gardaí if an investigation is launched.

?

A spokesperson at the Garda press office confirmed that they were investigating the matter.

The stadium was recently the subject of an offensive graffiti attack, when crudely-painted swastikas and other far-right slogans appeared on the wall of Rovers’ home ground.

The incident caused outrage among Rovers’ fans and Tallaght residents.