Jim Crawford backs Ireland’s youngsters for walking off after alleged racism

Republic of Ireland Under-21s boss Jim Crawford has backed his players for walking off after one of their team-mates was allegedly racially abused.

The Football Association of Ireland has reported the incident, which prompted the abandonment of Monday’s friendly clash with Kuwait’s Under-22s side in Austria, to FIFA and UEFA and reiterated its zero tolerance stance on discrimination.

Crawford said: “I fully support the FAI’s stance to take this matter to FIFA and UEFA and hope now that the correct and appropriate action is taken.

FAI Statement | Ireland U21 v Kuwait U22 ➡️ https://t.co/vBbli2ctm9 pic.twitter.com/x2tCA5WWsj

— Ireland Football ⚽️