PRESSURE is mounting on British football authorities to do more to combat anti-Irish racism following further threats issued online against Derry footballer James McClean and his wife Erin.
The organisation which represents Irish professional footballers called on its English and Scottish counterparts to adopt a “more robust” approach to dealing with threats against McClean and Hibernian manager Neil Lennon.
The statement follows further revelations about sectarian and racist threats issued to the two Irish men.
Stoke City winger McClean said he suffered abuse on a weekly basis because he was an Irish Catholic. He was responding to threats from English football fans over his decision not to wear a Remembrance Day poppy.
More details have also emerged of the abuse suffered by his family. In a post on Instagram, his wife Erin revealed details of a recent threat made against her.
Following the latest threats, the English FA issued a warning against McClean after he described fans who threatened him as “cavemen.”
However, the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland has now called on its British counterparts to investigate all incidents of anti-Irish discrimination.
The organisation said: “Racism on the basis of colour, nationality, religion or ethnicity is not acceptable and all within the game have a responsibility to respond appropriately.
“James McClean has stood in solidarity with team mates who have experienced racism and spoken out. We stand in solidarity with James McClean, Neil Lennon and all those who experience racism.”
