Pico Lopes calls out 'disgusting' attacks on migrants

Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto 'Pico' Lopes has labelled recent attacks on homeless migrants "disgusting" as he shone a light on two initiatives promoting inclusivity and respect.

On Monday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said an investigation is under way to identify those who were behind violence targeting homeless asylum seekers in Dublin last Friday night, when tents were dismantled and set on fire by anti-immigration protesters.

Lopes was speaking at the launch of an initiative that will see the SSE Airtricity League and FAI offer sponsorship spaces to promote the LGBT+ National Helpline at men's Premier Division, First Division and the Women's Premier Division games this weekend.

The Cape Verde international has also recently helped to promote Africa Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with a Cultural Village, music and dancing all planned to reflect modern African/Irish culture.

When asked about the unsavoury scenes in the capital's city centre, Lopes told RTÉ Sport: "It's disgusting, it's not nice at all. We're dealing with people, we're dealing with humans. We need to realise that.

"Everyone needs to look after each other and start treating each other with respect.

"Whatever your ideas are politically, we need to treat each other with respect. The most important thing is that everyone is safe."

Reflecting on the campaign to show solidarity with the LGBT+ community, Lopes highlighted a broad desire across the League of Ireland to embrace inclusivity.

While there are many openly female gay footballers, it remains far less common for players to come out in the men's game.

"It's just about spreading awareness and showing our support, as a league and as a whole," Lopes said.

"It's great to get