‘IFA must stamp out hate crime’ – Jackson

THE IFA must take action against supporters who were filmed singing sectarian abuse, Sinn Féin Waterside Councillor Christopher Jackson has said.

He was commenting after footage emerged of fans chanting anti-Catholic slogans in the wake of their side’s win over Belarus on Monday.

The video was recorded in a Belfast bar with fans, some wearing Northern Ireland shirts, singing and chanting ‘We Hate Catholics, We Hate Roman Catholics” to the tune of Tiffany’s ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’.

“The IFA have rightly condemned the actions of these so-called supporters but they also need to ensure that stringent steps are taken to identify and punish those involved. They should be banned by the IFA and reported to the PSNI.

“Sinn Féin have been in contact with the IFA and my party colleague, Councillor Claire Canavan has reported it to the PSNI to stress that there should be zero tolerance to such disgusting displays of hate.

“There can be no place for this in sport. It is a hate crime and every possible step should be taken to stamp it out.”

The IFA has said that they would work to ensure the people in the video are prevented from attending Northern Ireland games in future.

“The Irish FA condemns sectarianism of any kind,” a spokesperson said.

“The chanting in the video was wrong and if those involved can be identified, the Association will work to ensure that they are prevented from getting tickets for Northern Ireland matches.”

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