GAA Launches Racism Investigation

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is set to launch an investigation into allegations of racism during a football match.

The Ulster Club final between Grossmaglen and Kilcoo on Sunday took a negative turn amid claims of racist language on the pitch.

Crossmaglen player Aaron Cunningham has claimed he received racial abuse throughout the match from two members of the Kilcoo team, due to the fact that his father is black.

His father Joey was one of the first black inter-county players. Cunningham says he was called a "nigger" and a "Paki" during the match.

Crossmaglen won the match on Sunday afternoon by 3-9 to 1-9 to secure their third consecutive Ulster title.

A statement from the Ulster GAA said: "The GAA is an anti-racist organisation by rule and will not tolerate in the strongest and most emphatic terms racist abuse of any type."

A Kilcoo GAC statement said: "Kilcoo GAC is an all inclusive club which prides itself in appealing to all sections of our community, and is shocked and saddened to hear of any allegations of racial abuse following the Ulster club final.

"We as a club condemn abuse from whatever quarter and shall co-operate fully with any investigation instigated by Ulster Council."

Cunningham spoke to reporters after the match. He said: "You go out to play football in a good sporting manner, hard-hitting and that, but when race comes into it, I think it’s disgusting to be honest.

"I don’t want to let it overshadow what has been a good game and a 10th title for us, three-in-a-row and number five for myself. But I feel it has to be said, because what was said has no place on a football pitch."

(IT)