The GAA has been dragged into another racism controversy following allegations of racist abuse during yesterday’s Ulster football final between Crossmaglen Rangers and Kilcoo. Crossmaglen won their 10th Ulster title but the post-match celebrations were tempered by claims from Crossmaglen player Aaron Cunningham that he had been racially abused twice by an opposition player during the match.
Cunningham says he reported what was said to one of the officials during the match but doesn't know if they heard what was said. It is believed that the incident will form part of the referee's match report.
The Ulster GAA released a statement, announcing an investigation and harsh sanctions should any offence be deemed to have occurred: “Ulster GAA will investigate the matter and will deal with the alleged incident in line with the rules of the Official Guide of the Association. The GAA is an anti-racist organisation by rule and will not tolerate in the strongest and most emphatic terms racist abuse of any type.”
Last week GAA President Liam O’Neill spoke about the need to eradicate all forms of abuse from the GAA, saying all forms of abuse are “abhorrent” and he will support any motion to implement plans to help stamp out abuse.
Crossmaglen won the match 3-9 to 1-9 to capture their 10th Ulster title.
