Shels & Pat's confirm 'juvenile' aimed racist abuse at fitness coach

Shelboune and St Pat's have released a joint statement condemning an incident of racist abuse that occurred during the sides' SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division clash last Friday night.

After watching his team win 2-1 at Richmond Park, Damien Duff claimed Shelbourne's Portuguese strength and conditioning coach Mauro Martins had been subjected to racial abuse by a spectator.

"Tonight, Mauro, our fitness coach - one of the best in the league, one of the best in the world - he's from Portugal, he got racially abused," Duff told RTÉ Sport.

"That's all I'll say on the matter. I'll leave it up to whoever the relevant people are."

Both clubs released a statement on Modnay evening confirming that "a juvenile shouted some racial abuse at a Shels staff member".

The full statement read: "Shelbourne FC and St Patrick's Athletic FC condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, and intolerance.

"We believe that football should be a unifying force that brings people together regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background.

"On Friday evening before the start of the match a juvenile shouted some racial abuse at a Shels staff member.

"St Pat's fans and stewards immediately intervened. This conduct is not acceptable, and the guardians of the child have been asked to engage with him to ensure he understands the gravity of the situation and that this type of behaviour is not acceptable.

"St Pat's have issued an apology to the Shels staff member, which has been graciously accepted.

"Racism has no place in our clubs, our sport, or society as a whole. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels welcome and respected.

"We stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by racism and discrimination,