The FAI and the PFA have condemned the latest social media threats aimed at senior Irish international James McClean.
McClean and his wife Erin revealed a selection of the online abuse his family has received in recent times, one which was a threat to burn down his house.
Both associations offered James and his family their full support at this difficult time.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “The FAI remains committed to safeguarding all of our players against any form of abuse on any social media platform. To abuse or threaten James or any player because of his nationality should not be tolerated by society. Unfortunately, such behaviour is all too common now on social media.
“Only last week we commended the stance taken by English football against the abuse of footballers across all social media channels and we are examining how best we can take a similar stance.”
Under the leadership of Intercultural Programme National Co-ordinator Des Tomlinson, the FAI is currently working on new Racism and Discrimination policies which will be presented to Board in the coming weeks.
“The latest incident involving James and his family highlights how important this work is and why football needs to take action,” commented Des Tomlinson. “In recent times many of our players have been victims of social media abuse, hate speech and threats including Jonathan Afolabi, Cyrus Christie and James. It is not acceptable and I will assure James of our full support as he deals with this.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association said: “The sectarian abuse that @stokecity winger, James McClean, received over the weekend on social media is totally unacceptable. No player should have to face abuse based on their race, religion or nationality. We stand with all players against discrimination.”
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