FAI alleges two Ireland Under-15 players were racially abused
Ireland, taking part in the Torneo Delle Nazioni competition in Italy, won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Shamrock Rovers attacker Archie Quinn.
It was a positive end to the week for the Boys in Green, who also drew 1-1 with Czechia, lost 2-0 against Austria and beat Saudi Arabia 3-0.
However, the trip has been soured, with the FAI claiming three racist comments were made to two of the Irish players during the UAE match. The alleged incidents were reported to the match officials and tournament organisers.
An FAI statement read: "The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that we have reported incidents of racism directed towards our players during the Ireland Boys Under-15s match with UAE on Thursday, 1 May.
"Three separate comments, made towards two Irish players, have been reported to match officials and organisers of the Torneo Delle Nazioni tournament in Italy. The association has offered full support to the players affected as well as the teammates, staff and the families of the players involved.
"The FAI does not tolerate any form of racism towards our players or staff, be it on a football pitch, at a stadium or online. Following another recent act of racism towards an Under-17s Ireland player in March, the FAI condemns such acts and expect a full investigation into the incidents that took place with appropriate action to be taken."
Ireland Boys Under-15s head coach Jason Donohue added: "As players and staff we are appalled that we still have players subjected to racism in youth football.
"Football is a global game that welcomes everybody and there is no place for racist behaviour. The players involved have our support, as do their families and teammates. We have a duty to our players and staff, present and future, to call out incidents like this and fully expect the relevant bodies to investigate this and apply strong disciplinary action."
In March, the FAI made a complaint to UEFA after alleging a Republic of Ireland Under-17s player was racially abused during the second half of the team's Elite Phase qualification match against Poland.
In June 2023, Republic of Ireland Under-21s players walked off the field when facing Kuwait Under-22s after an Irish sub was allegedly racially abused. The match was subsequently abandoned, with the Kuwait FA rejecting the claims.
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