Carlow officials to probe racist abuse claim
July 24, 2008
Carlow's Coiste na nOg is to launch an investigation into claims that a young Nigerian footballer was subjected to racist abuse from spectators during an under 14 game earlier this week.
Teboga Sebala, who moved to Carlow town with his family six years ago, had to endure a torrent of racist abuse from the sidelines as he played for Eire Og in an under 14 semi-final against town rivals O'Hanrahan's last Monday night.
Adrian Tomlin, whose son Joe is a team-mate of Teboga's and who was a spectator at the game along with his wife, described how a group of young girls, encouraged by a group of adults nearby, shouted obscene and racial abuse at the young Nigerian throughout the game.
He explained: "There were obscene racial comments like 'kill the f***ing n***er and the like. It was ongoing throughout the match and Teboga was visibly upset."
Tomlin, who made a complaint to Carlow officials after the game, said he pulled his wife away when she asked them to stop because the group turned on her and she was in tears.
"I am beside myself, I am thinking of pulling my son from the sport," he added.
"I come from the north of England where racial tension is a big problem and I bring up my children to be against this kind of behaviour."
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