Republic of Ireland defender Cyrus Christie the target of racist abuse after World Cup play-off loss
The defender scored an own-goal during the 5-1 loss to Denmark in Dublin and has since become the target of racial abuse on social media
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The Republic of Ireland defender Cyrus Christie says he has received racist abuse on social media following his country’s World Cup play-off defeat to Denmark.
Cyrus, who plays for Middlesbrough in the Championship, scored an own-goal in the heavy 5-1 loss at home and has since become the target of abuse on social media.
His international team-mate James McClean drew attention to the abuse while speaking at Saturday’s PFA Ireland awards, with Christie releasing a statement to condemn the offensive posts.
“I’d like to say I am extremely proud to represent my country, the Republic of Ireland, and I give everything I can each time I put on the green shirt,” Christie said in his statement.
“I genuinely believe our fans are some of the best in the world.
“However, there have been a number of racist comments which have been brought to my attention during the World Cup qualifying campaign over the last couple of months and, most recently, last week,” he added.
“These comments are not representative of our fans or our sport. We were all deeply upset to not reach the World Cup finals and are hurting just as much as everyone else. It is deeply saddening that racism is still part of the game we all enjoy and love. I strongly believe we need to stand up against these individuals who do not belong in football or any other sport.”
PFA Ireland and anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC) had earlier published a joint statement which condemned the abuse as well as referencing one particular tweet, which called for Christie to be lynched.
“Alleged racist comments have been referred by the FAI to the Gardai for investigation,” the statement said. “The tweet urged him to go to Jamaica and boasted about wanting to lynch him.”
In the statement, a spokesperson from SRTRC revealed that the Gardai (the police force of the Republic of Ireland) were investigating the comments and called for social media websites to play a more active role in preventing the abuse.
“There is no place for racism in sport or on social media,” Garrett Mullan said. “We welcome the fact that the FAI and Gardai are taking action but social media outlets also have a role to play in responding to racism.
“As important as reporting such vile incidents is the support that someone receives from those around and in this case, it is clear that Cyrus Christie’s team mates have been affected by this incident.
“We welcome the fact that James McClean has shone a light on to some of the nasty elements out there. His support for his fellow team mate will help the team and Cyrus in particular, to emerge stronger from this incident”.
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