THE PFAI HAS decided to take a back seat in the investigation into the alleged racial abuse of Eamon Zayed after the accused Shamrock Rovers player contacted them with a request for assistance yesterday.

In a statement issued last night, the Association said that the unidentified footballer, who denies directing any racist comments towards the Derry City striker during the 1-1 draw on Monday, sought their representation as he attempts to clear his name.

As both Zayed and the accused player are PFAI members, solicitor Stuart Gilhooly advised the body that it would not be appropriate to represent one party at the expense of the other.

A statement released by the Association last night said that “the PFAI can confirm that it has now been approached by the Shamrock Rovers player who is alleged to have made a racist comment.”

“The player, who is also a member of the Association, sought to seek the assistance of the PFAI in dealing with the allegation. The player re-iterated his stance that he has not made any racist comment in accordance with the statement released by Shamrock Rovers FC last night [Tuesday].”

The PFAI has consulted with its solicitor, Stuart Gilhooly, who has advised that as both players are members of the Association and have conflicting recollections of the events in question, that it would not be appropriate for the Association to represent either party.

Despite the conflicting claims of two of its members, the Association lent its support to a full and thorough investigation into the accusation, saying: ”The PFAI still believes that justice should be served in accordance with the FAI investigation and confirms that the integrity of the process is paramount.”