FAI Investigate Alleged Racist Abuse Of Zayed

**The Lilywhites** · 14/06/2011, 9:40 PM

The Shamrock Rovers player at the centre of an FAI investigation into alleged racial abuse aimed at Derry City’s Eamon Zayed during Monday night’s Airtricity League Premier Division match at Tallaght Stadium against Shamrock Rovers has denied the claim, the club have confirmed.

The club have confirmed they have spoken to the player, who has denied the claims, and have vowed to clear the name of the player and the club.

"Shamrock Rovers became aware today of a complaint made by a Derry City player against one of our players after last night’s game", the club statement read. "The club has spoken to the player in question and he completely refutes the accusation that has been made against him."

"The club will of course co-operate with the FAI investigation in a bid to clear the name of the player involved and the club."

"We also regret that our name was publicly associated with such claims on the basis of an accusation and without any investigation taking place."

http://www.extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/5897/

**born2bwild** · 14/06/2011, 9:43 PM

http://www.extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/5897/
Rovers' player denies racist insult. This could get ugly. Who does this publicity actually help?

**Dave_SRFC** · 14/06/2011, 9:48 PM

Originally Posted by born2bwild

http://www.extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/5897/
Rovers' player denies racist insult. This could get ugly. Who does this publicity actually help?

Louise Zayed?

**Dodge** · 14/06/2011, 9:48 PM

Originally Posted by born2bwild

Who does this publicity actually help?

You think that matters to Zayed?

It'll boil down to who you believe of 2 people.

If it isn't true then Zayed should be punished IMO.

**Jicked** · 14/06/2011, 9:52 PM

If it wasn't true he should have the bloody book thrown at him by the FAI, and I'd hope private legal action would be taken against both Éamon and Louise Zayed. Whether that's the case or there is a case to answer I guess we'll find out in due course.

**Red Army** · 14/06/2011, 9:52 PM

Did Cork ever get fined when their fans openly displayed banners with fascist symbols on them over the past few years? I suppose this could hardly be classified as racism? I guess every club has a few idiots it would be better to for the FAI to invest in stewards training and security then to fine cash strapped clubs there is only so much you can do with limited resources.

**The Lilywhites** · 14/06/2011, 9:56 PM

Originally Posted by Jicked

If it wasn't true he should have the bloody book thrown at him by the FAI, and I'd hope private legal action would be taken against both Éamon and Louise Zayed. Whether that's the case or there is a case to answer I guess we'll find out in due course.

If it's true who the Rovers player that the claim has been made against is, I know who I'd believe. And I don't know Zayed.

**hoops1** · 14/06/2011, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by The Lilywhites

If it's true who the Rovers player that the claim has been made against is, I know who I'd believe. And I don't know Zayed.

Thanks for clearing that up.

**Jicked** · 14/06/2011, 10:01 PM

If you knew Zayed you might know him as being an attention seeking git off the field so probably best not to rush in to judgements based on a player's character.

**PartySaint** · 14/06/2011, 10:04 PM

If this turns out not to be true, I hope Zayed gets a severe punishment, They are big allegations to make and could tarnish someone reputation

**SkStu** · 14/06/2011, 10:18 PM

My pride in the league and the people associated with the league lessens by the day.

I can only say i hope the guilty parties, whoever they turn out to be, get their comeuppance.

**born2bwild** · 14/06/2011, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

You think that matters to Zayed?

It'll boil down to who you believe of 2 people.

If it isn't true then Zayed should be punished IMO.

Do I think publicity matters to Zayed? Yes.

For good reasons: Eamonn has spoken out about racism before and the more than it is spoken about the better - there should be zero tolerance of racism in the league.

For 'other' reasons: Eamonn wrote about the Dublin Super Cup tournament in his most recent extratime article: "What a tournament that will be and I am sure every player (myself included!!) will be trying his best to impress Damian in this weekend’s games in the hope of getting picked for the squad."

Eammo was on the six-one news tonight.

Both causes will be advanced - clubs and fans will be reminded about racism and Eammo will be in the shop window. Win - Win?

Except that the rest of the country will get the false impression that there are a load of racists going to league matches.

We need to put on a slide show about the Chinese - 'a great bunch of lads'

**Jicked** · 14/06/2011, 10:24 PM

Let's not forget how much Éamon seems to enjoy being in the media, like you say born2bwild the upcoming squad for the Super Cup and transfer window, and finally the fact his sister who's been quite vocal today also sees herself as a marketing and PR consultant. If people want to start talking about the character of the Rovers player involved or the Pats fan involved, then that's fair game too.

**DannyInvincible** · 14/06/2011, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by Red Army

Did Cork ever get fined when their fans openly displayed banners with fascist symbols on them over the past few years? I suppose this could hardly be classified as racism?

What sort of symbols are we talking about here? The fasces?

**SwanVsDalton** · 14/06/2011, 10:26 PM

I'd say the chances of a player fabricating two separate incidents of racial abuse in consecutive matches are pretty slim. They'd have to be extra thick, even for a footballer, to have the gumption. And that's regardless of how 'attention seeking' he may be.

**Red Army** · 14/06/2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Jicked

If you knew Zayed you might know him as being an attention seeking git off the field so probably best not to rush in to judgements based on a player's character.

I know Pats were singing Louise Zayed gives good head and takes it up the arse. I wonder did this upset him and he then in turn comes out with allegations of racist abuse?

**SkStu** · 14/06/2011, 10:28 PM

enough of the wild conspiracy theories there B2BW... lets also not lose sight of the fact that he could be telling the truth. Its not all that implausible that a Rovers player racially abused him and a solitary Pats fan (according to Dodge) in the stands shouted something at him.

**Red Army** · 14/06/2011, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

What sort of symbols are we talking about here? The fasces?

Celtic crosses like I said it wouldn't be classified as racist although some might be it differently. I wouldn't be surprised if they got fined for it that's why I asked. I guess if you ban that kind of stuff then Che banner and all other political banners would have to be banned.

**born2bwild** · 14/06/2011, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

enough of the wild conspiracy theories there B2BW... lets also not lose sight of the fact that he could be telling the truth. Its not all that implausible that a Rovers player racially abused him and a solitary Pats fan (according to Dodge) in the stands shouted something at him.

Well, I actually tried to balance what I said: Eamonn is trying to stand up against racists and for that he should be backed up by any decent, right-thinking person.

Still, there is no harm in making a lot of noise right now, during the transfer window.

Conspiracy theory? No. I just think Eamonn is media savvy. He's no fool and good luck to him.

So I blame Eamonn for the blemish on the league? No I don't; racism should not be tolerated but I think that Club-Club rather than Player-Media is the correct route to resolve this.

**total hoofball** · 14/06/2011, 10:45 PM

Zayed needs to disclose what was said. I don't believe for one moment he has made such a serious allegation without it being a clearcut racist comment.