RACISM: Athlone Town fans cleared of wrongdoing in Akinade case

FOLLOWING an investigation by the FAI, Athlone Town supporters have been cleared of racially abusing the Bray Wanderers striker Ishmahil Akinade.

Towards the end of Athlone Town’s recent SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match with Bray Wanderers in the Carlisle Grounds, Bray’s Nigerian-born forward alleged that he was racially abused from the crowd. Akinade made the allegation to match referee Paul McLaughlin, who included the allegation in his official match report.

However, following a meeting of the FAI disciplinary committee this week, the club and its supporters have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

An FAI official told the Westmeath Independent: “The FAI takes racism seriously so a full investigation was carried out in relation to the complaint. The independent committee charged with examining the case found the charge could not be substantiated.”

Speaking to www.athlonetownfc.ie, Athlone Town FC secretary David Dully said: “While we are happy with the outcome of the investigation we would like to stress that Athlone Town FC reject racism in all forms and if the club finds any individuals are guilty of racist behaviour, we will issue them with lifetime bans from attending games at Athlone Town Stadium”.

On the field, Athlone Town entertain Shamrock Rovers tonight (Friday, 7.45pm) in the latest round of Premier Division fixtures.

Manager Keith Long will be watching the game from the stand after receiving a two-game touchline ban, and he will be without the services of midfielder James O’Brien through suspension. According to the official club website, Graham Rusk and Sean Byrne are both doubtful through injury, but Sean Brennan returns after sitting out last week’s loss to Sligo Rovers through suspension. Aidan Collins, the club captain, has also come back into contention having returned from a lengthy injury to take a place on the bench last weekend.