- Andrew Dempsey
- Tue, Mar 28 2023
Kerry boss Billy Dennehy has expressed his disappointment after racist abuse was directed towards his players via online channels on Friday night.
The Kingdom condemned the incident on Saturday morning and confirmed they spoke to the FAI about the matter.
And on Monday morning the Kerry boss expressed his disappointment regarding the incident and praised the club for dealing with it promptly.
“I’m very disappointed when anything like that comes to light after the game,” Dennehy said.
“Unfortunately it's been across the game and has been across it at all levels.
“For us, it has come online and it was not at the ground. I think it’s important to stress that as well. It came from an online platform.
“To be fair to the club they acted really well and swiftly on it.
“It’s on the powers above all of our control to find the best solution possible to put a stop to that side of things.”
The incident occurred just hours after the FAI condemned racist abuse aimed at members of the Ireland Under-15 team that defeated Latvia last week.
And Dennehy admits he was ‘shocked’ that his players were targeted by online social media accounts.
“You don’t have to be a player to be shocked,” he added.
“I think everybody is shocked. That sort of behaviour isn’t acceptable anywhere in the world.
“Unfortunately, it still has a presence online. People seem to feel like they can have those views online.
“It’s something the club have acted on really well and it’s gone above our heads to get the best solution to – not just on behalf of the club, but for the overall health of the game.”
The Kingdom have also been praised for their diverse squad – and Dennehy believes it should be the way forward for all sports and organisations.
“I think all sports and all organisations should be that way,” he stressed. “Sport along with other industries like music are for everyone.
"Kerry FC is a fantastic club and it is fully diverse. It’s great to have the support of so many people in so many areas and that will always be the case.
“From our point of view as a club we’re extremely disappointed with what has transpired online.
“It’s important to stress that because people hid behind these profiles and different things.
“There’s no place for it. We will protect all the players and everybody involved with the club at all times.”
