Northern Ireland

West Belfast football club apologises to DUP MLA for sectarian abuse from youth player

DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly. Picture by Pacemaker
DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly. Picture by Pacemaker DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly. Picture by Pacemaker

A WEST Belfast football club has apologised to DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly for sectarian abuse she received from a youth player.

Newhill Football Club also said the player had been "suspended until further notice" after the sectarian message was sent to the politician.

The message said "up the ra" followed by a sectarian slur.

It came after the Lagan Valley representative had criticised the pro-IRA chants at the Féile an Phobail festival last weekend.

In a statement yesterday, the football club said it would like to formally state its "no tolerance policy of sectarianism".

"The club would like to sincerely apologise to DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly for the abuse she has received by a player within our youth teams," it said.

"The player in question has been suspended until further notice.

"We have, and will always remain a club that draws its players, volunteers and support from all backgrounds of our community."