A SO-CALLED supporter of Drogheda United has received a lifetime ban after shouting “n****r” at one of the team’s own players.
The ‘fan’, who is believed to have supported the Co Louth team for many years, hurled racist insults at Senegalese striker Ibrahima Thiam Iyane during a recent game against Sligo Rovers at United Park. Iyane did not hear the abuse, but the club has informed him about the incident. A spokesperson for Drogheda United said the severity of the ban showed that the club is serious about clamping down on racist behaviour and creating a family- friendly environment at United Park.
The club has also been working with organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card to promote understanding and respect for people of different cultural backgrounds, added the spokesperson.
However, the local Drogheda Independent newspaper reported that at the same game, a group of spectators remonstrated with another fan in a different part of the ground who was also racially abusing the Senegal native. Drogheda United is to carry a warning against racist abuse in every match programme, which will state: “The club management will not tolerate any form of racist abuse or threatening behaviour. Racist or obscene chanting is strictly forbidden.” Standing 6'6'' tall, Iyane has represented Senegal at under- 23 level and played for his country in the 2004 Olympic qualifiers. The 26-year-old striker was previously on the books of French clubs Paris Saint Germain and Lens.
