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02nd Apr 2019

Gardaí urge anyone who witnessed “instance of discriminatory” at rugby match to come forward

Alan Loughnane

sectarian abuse rugby game

No place for this.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone who witnessed alleged sectarian abuse at Saturday’s Champions Cup rugby quarter-final between Leinster and Ulster to come forward.

Leinster Rugby released a statement after the game where they said they were “aware of an isolated incident during yesterday’s game which was dealt with at the time by stewards and by Gardaí.”

It has emerged that no arrests were made by Gardaí on the night for criminal or discriminatory conduct because no allegations were brought to Gardaí at the time, although there were a number of ejections for alcohol consumption and public order issues.

However, Gardaí have said that it has since come to their attention that there may have been an incident of discriminatory behaviour at the game.

In a statement to JOE, An Garda Síochána said: “A number of people were ejected on Saturday night by the Stadium Stewards with the assistance of An Garda Síochána in relation to alcohol consumption and minor public order issues.

“There were no allegations of criminal or discriminatory conduct brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána on the night and no arrests were made.

“Subsequently it has come to the attention of An Garda Síochána that there may have been an instance of discriminatory behaviour.

“Although, no formal has been made to date, Gardaí at Donnybrook Station would ask anyone who witnessed such behaviour or who has information that can assist, to contact Donnybrook Garda Station on 01 6669200 or via email to [email protected].”