Linfield make statement on racist abuse of Shelbourne players
By Billy Weir (Belfast Telegraph)
16 March 2006
Linfield have vowed to ban any fan found guilty of sectarian or racist chanting at Windsor Park.
The tough stance comes after Monday evening's Setanta Sports Cup clash where a minority of fans shouted such abuse at Shelbourne players and supporters.
In a statement released last night, Blues chiefs have vowed to clamp down on the 'pathetic morons' involved.
It is far from an idle threat though, with moves already in place to establish a working party to weed out those responsible.
The club statement said: "A small number of spectators sullied the name of the Alex Russell Stand and that of Linfield Football Club by their sectarian and at times racist chanting during the Setanta game against Shelbourne.
"This was highly offensive to players, staff, management committee and all real supporters of the game from both clubs.
"It cannot and will not be tolerated. LFC has set up a working party to identify and exclude from the Park these outcasts with limited minds who bring their own agenda to some games.
"The vast majority of our supporters are to be congratulated for coming on such a wild evening and giving 'the 12th man' support on an otherwise great night.
"We deserve better, and none more so than our outstanding team, than these pathetic morons who debase everyone.
"We emphasise in the strongest possible terms that this type of appalling behaviour from a certain small crowd sector will not be tolerated at the club under any circumstance."
Shelbourne's Cameroon-born midfielder Joseph N'Do was the chief target of the racist chants, which could be heard clearly on television.
Perversely, the Blues also had black striker Avun Jephcott on the pitch while this was happening.
16 March 2006
Linfield have vowed to ban any fan found guilty of sectarian or racist chanting at Windsor Park.
The tough stance comes after Monday evening's Setanta Sports Cup clash where a minority of fans shouted such abuse at Shelbourne players and supporters.
In a statement released last night, Blues chiefs have vowed to clamp down on the 'pathetic morons' involved.
It is far from an idle threat though, with moves already in place to establish a working party to weed out those responsible.
The club statement said: "A small number of spectators sullied the name of the Alex Russell Stand and that of Linfield Football Club by their sectarian and at times racist chanting during the Setanta game against Shelbourne.
"This was highly offensive to players, staff, management committee and all real supporters of the game from both clubs.
"It cannot and will not be tolerated. LFC has set up a working party to identify and exclude from the Park these outcasts with limited minds who bring their own agenda to some games.
"The vast majority of our supporters are to be congratulated for coming on such a wild evening and giving 'the 12th man' support on an otherwise great night.
"We deserve better, and none more so than our outstanding team, than these pathetic morons who debase everyone.
"We emphasise in the strongest possible terms that this type of appalling behaviour from a certain small crowd sector will not be tolerated at the club under any circumstance."
Shelbourne's Cameroon-born midfielder Joseph N'Do was the chief target of the racist chants, which could be heard clearly on television.
Perversely, the Blues also had black striker Avun Jephcott on the pitch while this was happening.
posted by garrettmullan
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