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Christie had a difficult night in last week's second leg. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Speaking out

'It's deeply saddening that racism is still part of the game we all enjoy and love' - Christie

The Ireland defender has responded to online abuse received since Ireland’s World Cup play-off disappointment.

CYRUS CHRISTIE HAS spoken out for the first time about racist comments directed at him in the wake of Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat.

The defender was left deeply upset after being subjected to abuse on social media — where he was told to “go and play for Jamaica” and threatened about being “lynched”.

The Gardaí are looking into the matter evening and, this evening, the FAI, the PFAI and Show Racism the Red Card have come out to show their support to Christie along with a large number of Ireland supporters.

Tonight, the player himself has released a statement, in which he praises the majority of fans before insisting that those involved in the abuse do no represent them.

“Firstly, I’d like to say I am extremely proud to represent my country, the Republic of Ireland, and give everything I can each time I put on the green shirt,” Christie wrote on Twitter tonight.

I genuinely believe our fans are some of the best in the world.

“However, there have been a number of racist comments, which have been brought to my attention during the World Cup qualifying campaign over the last couple of months and, most recently, last week.

“These comments are not representative of our fans or our sport. We were all deeply upset to not reach the World Cup finals and are hurting just as much as everyone else.

“It is deeply saddening that racism is still part of the game we all enjoy and love. I strongly believe we need to stand up against these individuals who do not belong in football or any other sport.”

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