A Dundalk player has been given a 10-match ban for using racist or discriminatory language against an official in the League of Ireland. Dundalk played Drogheda on Monday evening, and in the loss, George Shelvey, an English native who plays for Dundalk, was given his marching orders in the game for using racist language against an Irish referee.
Irish outlet The 42.ie reports that Shelvey called referee Rob Harvey an “Irish c**t” after the full-time whistle of Monday’s 2-1 loss. Shelvey has this week been hit with a 10-match ban for his comments made towards the ref.
A statement issued by the Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI maintained that there was a zero-tolerance policy for remarks made like this and that he would be serving his 10-match ban immediately.
"An Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI has sanctioned Dundalk FC player George Shelvey relating to abuse towards a match official following Dundalk FC’s game versus Drogheda United FC on May 5, 2024, which was in breach of the FAI regulations on racism and discrimination.
"The FAI and League of Ireland maintain a strict zero-tolerance approach towards any act of racism or discrimination and are committed to ensuring that League of Ireland matches remain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
"In accordance with FIFA Regulations and the FAI Disciplinary Regulations, George Shelvey will serve a ten-match suspension.
"Please note that the decision of the Independent Disciplinary Committee may be appealed."
Club statement in relation to George Shelvey's 10-game suspension.
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) May 9, 2024
Dundalk has confirmed they will not be appealing the ban and will be working with George to improve his behaviour. They also confirm they hold a zero-tolerance policy for racism and discriminatory remarks made by anyone.
"Following a process completed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit, Dundalk FC can confirm that George Shelvey has been suspended for 10 matches for using discriminatory language towards the referee at the end of the game with Drogheda United on May 6th," they said on their website
"The player attended today’s Independent Disciplinary Control Unit hearing, in which he explained that he deeply regrets the language that he used towards the referee.
"While George realised very quickly that he had used inappropriate language, he did not, at first, comprehend the discriminatory aspect of his words.
'However, having discussed the matter with club officials, he now fully accepts that his words were not only offensive but also discriminatory.
"Both George and the club accept the sanction imposed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit and will not be making an appeal.
"Going forward, Dundalk FC will work with George to develop his understanding of these issues. The club will be making no further comment on the matter at this time."
