THE ANTI-RACISM charity, Show Racism the Red Card, have today expressed their disappointment at the result of the investigation carried out by the Leinster Council into allegations that Westmeath’s Israel Ilunga was racially abused during the Leinster Minor football semi final in July of this year.
Garrett Mulllan, co-ordinator of the charity said:
“This incident and others prompt a need for a change in culture within the [GAA] so that when an incident does occur the correct response also occurs, in that the incident is reported and that an investigation takes place which is fair but which does result in penalties for those involved in racist incidents”.
Mullan added:
“That racist abuse came from sections of the crowd, this highlights the need for training of stewards as well as general education within the game to promote a culture of inclusion and zero tolerance for racism.”
Earlier this week Westmeath minor manager Tommy Carr responded to the result of the Leinster Council investigation by saying that Ilunga was “extremely upset.”
“He’s not just upset about the initial incident but especially now because he spoke up about it and nothing has happened,” said Carr.