Latest news with #Ozhianvuna
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Stephen Bradley demands Gardai action after Shamrock Rovers teen Victor Ozhianvuna was racially abused
SHAMROCK ROVERS boss Stephen Bradley wants the full extent of the law to be used against anyone identified for abusing Victor Ozhianvuna. And he believes fans can help too. Advertisement 2 Ozhianvuna was racially abused by someone in the crowd at the RSC 2 An irate Bradley wants to see as strong of a response as possible The Ireland Under-17 ace When Rovers' learnt of the incident, they informed the match referee with the FAI and Waterford both launching investigations, and notifying the Gardai. But Bradley insisted the only way to stamp it out is to use every punishment available against anyone found guilty. The Rovers boss said this morning: 'Waterford can't control what some person says inside the ground, you can't control that. They can act now, which they are, which is great. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'But I think it's got to go further, I think the guards have to be involved. "That's the only way I feel we will really try and make an impact on these people. 'And I know the guards are involved, which is great. But I really feel that we can't just look at it and think, oh well, it's happened at a game or it happened at a stadium, so Waterford will deal with it. 'Waterford, I'm sure, will ban that person, or persons, I'm not sure. But the guards, I think, are definitely the way to go. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 'I think the guards need to be involved to help the clubs to be really strong on this. 'But I think you look at the wider issue as a society, I think we need to be stronger in terms of people around that, that heard him. Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney's managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless 'It needs to be stopped, it needs to be stamped out. And I think all of us have our part to play in that. 'But it's scary that people walk into a stadium and just feel they have the freedom to speak like that.' Advertisement 'Racially abusing someone is not acceptable. I still find it amazing that people think it's acceptable to speak like that in this day and age. 'We've had incidents in the past, obviously my own (when individuals sang out his son Josh who has leukemia) in Cork, Pico had a problem (racist abuse after a Dundalk game) not so long ago as well. 'Where is society when people think it's acceptable to speak like that and behave like that and act like that? I can't get my head around it. For a 16-year-old to hear that is sickening.' WILL SUPPORT HIM The Hoops boss also stressed that Ozhianvuna - who has burst onto the scene this year Advertisement He said: 'It was extremely difficult for him. In the dressing room afterwards he was really upset, Victor. 'We are lucky here that we work with Mary (Larkin, sports psychologist) quite regularly, and we can help. 'But we can't undo what's been said and what he's heard. That's the scary part. 'But us as a club will do everything possible to try to deal with the emotions he is feeling after hearing that, and give him the tools to try to deal with it himself better, if it ever happens again. Advertisement 'Please God it doesn't.'
Irish Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Stephen Bradley reacts to ‘sickening' racist abuse of Shamrock Rovers teen
Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley admits he is struggling to get his head around the fact that someone could shout racist abuse at a 16-year-old player. Hoops teenager and Ireland underage international Victor Ozhianvuna was named as a substitute for Friday's visit to Waterford. It is alleged that during the game he was racially abused by at least one spectator - and that led to both Waterford and the FAI issuing statements on Saturday regarding the matter. Bradley gave his own reaction on Sunday morning, ahead of Monday night's Premier Division clash with St Patrick's Athletic. He said: 'It was extremely difficult for him (Ozhianvuna). In the dressing room afterwards he was really upset, Victor. 'I still find it amazing that people think it's acceptable to speak like that in this day and age. 'We've had incidents in the past, obviously my own in Cork (when some City fans chanted about Bradley's son, who is undergoing treatment for leukemia), Pico (Roberto Lopes) had a problem not so long ago as well, where is society when people think it's acceptable to speak like that and behave like that and act like that? I can't get my head around it. 'For a 16-year-old to hear that is sickening. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Waterford, to be fair to them, were good in how they acted after the game. I know the League was straight onto the guards as well. 'But I think you look at the wider issue as a society, I think we need to be stronger in terms of people around that, that heard him. They need to be the ones to call it out and check it. 'It's sickening that people feel that once they get into a stadium they have a right to speak like that. I can't get my head around it. It needs to be stopped, it needs to be stamped out. And I think all of us have our part to play in that. 'But it's scary that people walk into a stadium and just feel they have the freedom to speak like that.' Ozhianvuna has been one of the breakthrough stars this season. Despite only turning 16 in January, he has featured off the bench 10 times in the Premier Division, including a debut at the Aviva Stadium against Bohemians. He also played in extra-time in Rovers' Europa Conference League play-off second-leg against Molde. Asked if there was more than one perpetrator on Friday, Bradley said: 'I'm not 100 percent sure right now, it's being investigated. But one's enough. Especially a 16-year-old kid. 'He was really, really upset in the dressing room afterwards.' He added that Rovers would support the youngster, with the help of sports psychologist Mary Larkin. 'We are lucky here that we work with Mary quite regularly, and we can help. But we can't undo what's been said and what he's heard. That's the scary part,' said Bradley. 'But us as a club will do everything possible to try to deal with the emotions he is feeling after hearing that, and give him the tools to try to deal with it himself better, if it ever happens again, please God it doesn't. 'But like I said, it's incredible that someone feels they can speak like that.' Bradley praised Friday's opponents for their swift actions, saying: 'You can't blame Waterford. Waterford can't control what some person says inside the ground, you can't control that. 'They can act now, which they are, which is great. But I think it's got to go further, I think the guards have to be involved. That's the only way I feel we will really try and make an impact on these people. 'And I know the guards are involved, which is great. But I really feel that we can't just look at it and think, oh well, it's happened at a game or it happened at a stadium, so Waterford will deal with it. 'Waterford, I'm sure, will ban that person, or persons, I'm not sure. 'But the guards, I think, are definitely the way to go. Racially abusing someone is not acceptable. I think the guards need to be involved to help the clubs to be really strong on this.'
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Waterford FC express ‘disappointment' after hearing of alleged racial abuse of Shamrock Rovers teen Victor Ozhianvuna
WATERFORD FC have expressed their 'disappointment' after an alleged racist remark was aimed at 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers player Victor Ozhianvuna by a home supporter. It is claimed the comment was made before Friday's SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division clash at the RSC. Advertisement An investigation is underway after the visitors reported the incident to the match delegate, who will now send his report to the League of Ireland before any possible sanctions can be taken by the FAI Disciplinary Control Unit. It's understood that the alleged incident occurred while the substitute was warming up during the first half of the game with Ozhianvuna going on to take no part in a fixture that After the media were made aware of the allegations in the aftermath of the contest, Waterford FC released a statement saying that they are 'fully co-operating with authorities on the matter.' It read: 'Waterford Football Club are disappointed to be made aware of an allegation of racism towards a Shamrock Rovers player during our SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division game on Friday, May 16. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'We are a community-based football club that prides ourselves on our inclusion and are proud to welcome all to the RSC. 'The club takes all reports of discrimination incredibly seriously and is fully co-operating with the authorities on the matter. 'We stand side by side with the League of Ireland and our supporters in taking a zero-tolerance approach to tackling racism within the game. 'Waterford Football Club would encourage anyone who witnesses such behaviour to report in confidence via our direct number 051-271160 or via email to office@ Advertisement Most read in Football Bradley's outfit capitalised on two huge errors that gave the league leaders all three points. A brilliant Padraig Amond header had put the hosts in front inside ten minutes. Celtic ultras make their point on fan engagement as Hoops get trophy day guard of honour But they were the cause of their own downfall as they were undone by goals from Rory Gaffney, Michael Noonan, and Graham Burke – with the latter two goals coming from defensive errors. It was a header of quality that gave the hosts the lead on ten minutes. Advertisement Ryan Burke found space for himself out on the left before putting in a wonderful ball that saw Amond get in front of his marker to flick an unstoppable header to the roof of the net from 12 yards. Stephen McMullan denied the Hoops a certain equalising goal on 23 minutes when Josh Honohan played a super ball over the top that sent Aaron Greene clear straight on goal. 1 Victor Ozhianvuna was allegedly racially abused while warming up as a substitute But the netminder saved at the feet of the attacker as he tried to take the ball around him. Advertisement Rovers were celebrating a leveller just two minutes later. Adam Matthews played a long throw into the right-hand corner that saw Greene send in a first-time cross for Gaffney, and he applied a neat right-footed finish past the helpless McMullan. It took some more heroic goalkeeping from McMullan to deny the visitors the lead goal on 36 minutes when Jack Byrne swung over a right-wing cross that picked out the run of Josh Honohan. And after his header was superbly kept out, Gaffney struck the outside of the post with the rebound. Advertisement Rovers were gifted the lead on 76 minutes. Blues keeper Stephen McMullan, who was having a top display for the hosts up to that point, inexplicably played a clearance straight to Noonan. The teen had only been on the field for seven minutes, and with his first touch, he couldn't believe his luck as he guided the ball to an empty net from outside the penalty area. A third goal followed for the tabletoppers deep into second-half injury-time, largely thanks to Josh Honohan. Capping off a week where he was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad, he dispossessed Navajo Bakboord before releasing Graham Burke, who beat the offside trap before finishing past McMullan. Advertisement
RTÉ News
28-04-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
'Sky's the limit' for Victor Ozhianvuna amid apparent Arsenal interest
While there is a growing sense of urgency about improving the pathways for young Irish footballers, one thing that is not in doubt is the raw talent on this island. The example of Mason Melia stands out with the 17-year-old St Patrick's Athletic striker long confirmed for a big money move to Tottenham Hotpsur next January. One of the next cabs off the rank is expected to be Shamrock Rovers' Victor Ozhianvuna. Last week, Hoops manager Stephen Bradley confirmed that overseas interest in the 16-year-old is genuine, with Premier League giants Arsenal reported to be the club heading the queue. Like Melia, the current Brexit rules would preclude Ozhianvuna from officially joining any British clubs until he turns 18 in the January 2027 transfer window, although a pre-contract is possible. The Republic of Ireland U-17 international has made eight appearances off the bench for Shamrock Rovers this campaign including in the season opener against Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium in March and the UEFA Conference League play-off second leg against Molde, gaining widespread praise internally and externally for those cameos. One person who is not surprised at Ozhianvuna's emergence is former Rovers midfielder Richie Towell who spoke about the youngster's potential on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast. "The sky is the limit for someone like Victor to be honest," he said, "I remember he came up to train with us last year and he was only a little boy. Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. "He looked like a little boy, he was small in stature and I was thinking, 'What's going on here? This kid could get hurt coming up to train with us'. "And straight away you see his bit of quality. Players like him in Irish football, we don't have many of them - special, special talents. "I'd love to see him get a little bit more game-time for Shamrock Rovers. We've seen glimpses and I think if Shamrock Rovers play him a little bit more, his value will increase even moreso. "Because you see the likes of Michael Noonan, he is getting some more game-time, so I'd really love Victor to get out onto the pitch and show what he can do because he's a really special talent. "He travels with the ball really well. He can create things and as I said, in Irish football we're kind of missing players like that, so for us to have someone like him to come through in the future is a big, big bonus." On the podcast, Towell and former Republic of Ireland winger Keith Treacy both reflected on why they chose Celtic and Blackburn respectively when they were leaving Irish shores despite interest from other clubs. But Treacy - a lifelong Arsenal supporter - also preached patience especially in light of the fact that Ozhianvuna can't move to the UK for almost two years. "This is a big, big pat on the back for Ozhianvuna, some of the best clubs within Europe and the UK coming looking at him," he said. "It's a big pat. It's a nod that you're on the right track, people are liking what you're doing but this is by no means 'there you are, you've made it, you're the player that you've always wanted to be, now take it easy'. "This is when the hard work starts and I'm always worried about young lads when Arsenal, Roma, these teams start getting thrown at them, because it's very easy to go away with the fairies in this modern day of social media. "So for me, let your agent, let Stephen Bradley, let your mother and father all deal with that - and you can have your input if you're an Arsenal fan in the background or a Roma fan, wherever he might want to go to, that's no problem - but in the meantime, knuckle down, worry about the session that you have today or tomorrow with Shamrock Rovers, worry about breaking into the Shamrock Rovers team; go and do the deal, do all that, no problem in the background. But it's the here and now that worries me. "Yeah, it's a big, big pat on the back and the likes of Cathal O'Sullivan, Mason Melia, Noonan, there's so many great young talents within the league now. "And I remember 18 months ago, Damien Duff saying, 'Look, we're all going to have to get on the same wavelength and start making other teams pay proper amounts for our young talents', and thankfully now it seems everybody's got to that level that we're not going to let them go for peanuts anymore, and the league will go from strength to strength because of it."
Irish Examiner
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ozhianvuna to become latest €1m kid as Arsenal circle
Stephen Bradley expects a €1m-plus deal to be completed for Victor Ozhianvuna, with Arsenal leading the queue for his Shamrock Rovers tyro. Ozhianvuna is just 16 but has featured in the Conference League and domestically this year. His versatility is an appealing aspect for his legion of suitors. Arsenal haven't been active in the Irish market for around 20 years, back to the era when the Academy, led by Liam Brady, recruited multiple Irish gems such as the current Rovers boss. Bradley isn't certain that Ozhianvuna will follow his path to London but is unequivocal in his belief that the graduate, born in Tallaght to Russian and Nigerian parents, will flourish on the highest stage. He can join a European club immediately but seems likely to wait until his 18th birthday when Brexit rules permit a UK move. 'I imagine it's something that will happen in the near future,' confirmed Bradley about a deal that could rival Mason Melia's upcoming €1.9m switch to Tottenham Hotspur for scale. 'The interest is 100% genuine. Discussions that these clubs are having with our Director of Football Stephen McPhail are right down the line. This isn't a phone call, 'how's things?' "This is right down the line to financials here, so serious stuff.' Bradley is a big fan of Ozhianvuna, who could feature in Friday night's meeting with champions Shelbourne, expected to fill out the 10,500-capacity Tallaght Stadium. He said: 'We're you're talking about one of the best players. You'll see that going forward. 'We've had a number of these clubs ask him to go over to watch a game, to show him around. He's no interest in that, saying 'if you want me, well…' 'He's full-time with us and just wants to play the game, whether it's in the car park in Tallaght Stadium. 'He's annoying me to play for the U17s or U20s when he doesn't play for the first-team. Because we've had a heavy schedule, we haven't been able to do that. You're trying to mind him but he just wants to play." Bradley continued: "I think that's quite clear here that if you've got the ability, the talent, the attitude, and the desire, and commit to the club, you'll get your chance. This club has set standards on and off the pitch for a long, long time in terms of selling players. 'I don't think there is anyone in the country that has come close to that in my reign being here. 'If young players commit to us and are good enough, they'll get their opportunities and whatever may be will be."
