Linfield FC has also sacked one of its coaches identified in the video.
Two men have issued an apology for a social media video appearing to show a group of people singing a song mocking the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius.
The video shows a crowd of people in an Orange Hall singing about the murder of McAreavey, who was strangled in her hotel room in Mauritius while on honeymoon in 2011.
Politicians from all the main parties in Northern Ireland have condemned the video and those taking part in the singing.
On Friday afternoon (3 June), a statement from JWB Consultancy, representing Andrew McDade and John Bell, said that the pair wished to “sincerely apologise” for their involvement in the broadcasting and singing of the “vile chant”.
The following statement was issued on behalf of both men:
“It is a matter of deep shame and regret that we became involved in the Facebook live publication of a video which included the singing of an offensive, vile and wholly abhorrent chant about the deceased Michaela McAreavey.
“This Facebook live video was not streamed with the intent of broadcasting any offensive chants whatsoever, rather it was generally broadcasting from the room.
“However, whether broadcast or not, the relevant chants should never have been sung either in public or private.
“We offer our sincerest and deepest apology to the Harte and McAreavey families, and indeed to wider society for our actions which whilst fuelled by alcohol, can neither be mitigated or excused in any shape or form.”
Statement issued on behalf of Mr John Bell & Mr Andrew McDade who wish to express their sincere apology for their involvement in the broadcast/singing of a vile and abhorrent chant relating to the deceased Michaela McAreavey pic.twitter.com/IRqmy99TxD
— JWB Consultancy (@JwbConsultancy) June 3, 2022
The pair said that their apology is “unequivocal” and that their acceptance of wrongdoing is “absolute”.
They also stated that the incident is not reflective of who they are as people or their families and friends.
“Several family members and friends have been subjected to online threats and abuse in recent hours due to our unacceptable actions,” the pair added.
“This is unfair and unwarranted; it is us and us alone who are responsible for our actions.
“In addition, this behaviour is unreflective of the values of the Loyal Orders and the wider unionist and loyalist community.”
The two men also said they will write a formal letter of apology to the Harte and McAreavey families and make a confidential donation to a charity of their choice.
The statement from the pair comes after football club Linfield FC said they have been made aware of the video and that the involvement of a coach at their girls’ academy can clearly be identified in the clip.
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🔵https://t.co/VFIFYdSQOG pic.twitter.com/98YgWHOw2Y
— Linfield FC (@OfficialBlues) June 3, 2022
It said the coach in question has been contacted and notified that his voluntary association with the club has been “terminated with immediate effect”.
“Linfield FC condemns the offensive, sickening and deeply hurtful and insulting chanting that is taking place on the online video and this club wishes to disassociate itself totally from the unacceptable behaviour that has understandably caused major upset and offence to the Harte / McAreavey families who have suffered terribly since the loss of their daughter / wife several years ago,” a statement from the club reads.
“Linfield FC apologises to the Harte / McAreavey families for the hurt that has been caused to them by the offensive actions of one of our now former coaches.”
Meanwhile, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has said it condemns the video without reservation and that it has instigated an inquiry into the incident.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
