SWILLY Rovers have been severely punished after a small number of their followers allegedly directed racist abuse at a teenage boy.
The Ramelton club is to appeal the results of a hearing into the incident.
The disciplinary action comes following alleged monkey chants and other slurs aimed at a 14 year old Cameroon-born player Thierry Baba during a cup game played on March 1st.
The Ramelton club have been fined €1,000 and banned from hosting SFAI cup games after an investigation found some fans did take part in racist chants.
An SFAI committee reviewed referee Joe McHugh’s report on the game at a disciplinary hearing in Dublin’s Red Cow Inn.
Both Swilly Rovers FC and Castlebar Celtic FC were represented at the hearing.
Following that review the SFAI committee has made the following decision:
The Committee concluded that racist chanting by Swilly Rovers supporters did take place.
With immediate effect Swilly Rovers FC is prohibited from playing any further games in the SFAI Cups at their home ground for the remainder of this season.
All further SFAI Cup games where Swilly Rovers would have had home advantage this season will be played at a neutral venue of the SFAI’s choosing.
Swilly Rovers FC is fined the sum of €1,000 payable to the SFAI as per its rules on fines payment.
Swilly Rovers FC is severely warned as to its future conduct.
The Committee recommends that the FAI’s inter-cultural department sets up the appropriate educational course with Swilly Rovers FC as soon as possible.”
Swilly Rovers, who have consistently denied the incident, say they will appeal the decision.
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