By Paul Doyle
The recent expression of racist taunts by a minority of fans at some National League matches today prompted League Commissioner Roy Dooney to remind clubs of the need to stamp out such abuse.
"It should be second nature to clubs to clamp down on that sort of thing" he told ireland.com, "Everyone has signed up to the "Show Racism the red card" campaign and every club is aware of the seriousness of such offences".
"A new category was created on match reports this season so that our match observers can make special mention of any incidents of racist abuse," he continued: "and if need be clubs will be reminded of their responsibilities."
Though not the only culprits in the country, a small section of Dundalk fans have recently been particularly vocal with their bigotry. After a match against Longford ten days ago, during which some of his club’s supporters taunted Eric Lavine, Dundalk chairman Des Denning called on other supporters to identify the guilty parties so that he may "take appropriate action". No one has yet come forward with any names.
Against St. Patrick’s Athletic last night, another black player, Charles Mbabazi Livingstone, was singled out for abuse by some Dundalk supporters.
"I will certainly be looking out for that match report with particular interest," said Dooney