GAA News

While racism at Euro 2012 and in the Premier League has been big news it has now appeared in the GAA too, with bans being handed out to players in Wexford.

Dealing with racism, be it from the stands, or between players on the pitch, is a difficult one for sporting authorities. Even with all the cameras and technology available via Sky, the Luis Suarez/Patrice Evra case showed just how tricky it can be to get to the bottom of such incidents.

For that reason then Wexford GAA, and referee Brendan Martin, are to be applauded for how they have dealt with a recent racism case in the Model County.

According to reports in today’s Irish Independent, two players from Duffry Rovers were found to have made racist comments towards Sarsfields player Lee Chin.

At a game between the two sides on April 20 this year the referee heard specific remarks made by one Duffry player and one sub, These were contained in his report and the case was then taken up by Wexford’s Central Competitions Control Committee. It found both players guilty and banned them for two months.

The players have not been named and the club have not been fined as they co-operated fully with the inquiry.

The GPA have already spoken out in favour of the ruling, with a spokesperson quoted in the Irish Independent: "Racism is a problem that, if allowed to go unchecked, is a huge threat, and the GAA have made huge strides to promote integration,"

"If incidents like this are even perceived to be taken lightly then it is a huge threat to the reputation of the game. So I would commend the board for taking action swiftly.

The paper also carries the reaction of Wexford county chairman Diarmuid Devereux.

"Lee Chin is a Wexford man, born in Wexford, living in Wexford, educated in Wexford and working in Wexford. He is one of our stars of the future. Hopefully, many more will follow his example," he said.

"Racism is something that will not be tolerated within Wexford GAA. That was also reflected in the way both clubs dealt with the matter.

"Both clubs accepted that kind of behaviour cannot, and will not, be accepted in Wexford GAA.”

Chin is a dual star in Wexford and he played for the senior footballers in their win over Longford last week. The youngster will also line out for county’s Under 21 hurlers tonight against Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final.