Kyle Lafferty on verge of Northern Ireland 'axe' over alleged 'sectarian' remark

Kyle Lafferty will be dropped from the Northern Ireland squad as Kilmarnock investigate a video showing him using alleged sectarian language, according to reports in Ireland.

Lafferty had been selected by Ian Baraclough and was named in the squad to face Kosovo and Greece, but came under serious scrutiny when a widely-shared clip emerged online. Lafferty was seen preparing to pose for a photo with a man, but as the clip is being filmed the man is heard saying “up the Celts” and after stepping away Lafferty is then alleged to have used derogatory sectarian language.

Kilmarnock soon released a statement announcing an investigation into Lafferty's behaviour. And now, according to the Belfast Telegraph, he is set to be dropped by the squad that face Kosovo in Belfast tomorrow before travelling to Greece on Tuesday night. A Irish FA source slammed the "appalling" language Lafferty appeared to use.

The former Rangers and Hearts striker has 20 goals in 85 games for his country and had started their last three games. A Kilmarnock statement on the incident read: "Kilmarnock football club are aware of a video circulating online which appears to show a member of our playing staff using language of a sectarian nature. The club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. The matter will be investigated by the club."

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