The SFAI are investigating the matter

The Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland is investigating an allegation of racial abuse towards a 14-year-old African-born player during a cup game at the weekend.

It is alleged that monkey chants were shouted from a small section of the crowd at an under16s game in Donegal last Saturday.

The referee ordered teenage players off the pitch due to the chants, it has been claimed.

The teen was brought to tears by the alleged incident.

SFAI general secretary Martin O'Hanlon confirmed that the association is waiting on the referee's report to arrive so they can investigate the allegations.

"We take something like this very seriously, but short of making an assessment, I can't say anything."

"All we have is an allegation of racist taunting."

"If it's warranted [an investigation] will be set up and people will be required to attend and say what they have to say."

Mr O'Hanlon said the referee's report is expected to arrive today and the investigation will then start immediately.

"We take every disciplinary proceedings very seriously."

"We have spoken to football people, not the boy, people have rang us about it."

"Until we have the report, I can't say. It's extremely early at this point in time."

The teenager’s coach has said there were very clear monkey chants coming from one section of the crowd “every time he touched the ball”.

The referee warned the crowd that he would abandon play, but he then re-started the game.

Online Editors