Dundalk goalkeeper George Shelvey has been handed a ten-match ban by the League of Ireland after a red card he picked up during his team's loss to Drogheda on Monday evening.
The Englishman, who joined Dundalk earlier this year, is said to have been issued the ban "for a breach of regulations on racism/discrimination" in "abuse towards a match official".
The incident in question occurred after the final whistle of the Drogheda game.
A statement on the League of Ireland read:
The FAI and League of Ireland maintains a strict zero tolerance approach towards any act of Racism/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.
The 42 are reporting that the player called referee Rob Harvey an 'Irish c**t'.
Shelvey will now serve a ten-match ban, one of the longest in the history of the League of Ireland.
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Dundalk goalkeeper receives ban for use of discriminatory language
Dundalk have now also released a statement of their own on the matter.
In a statement on the club's website, they said that while George Shelvey initially did not initially 'comprehend the discriminatory aspect of his words', the player has now accepted the sanction.
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.
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.
George Shelvey has made nine appearances in this season's League of Ireland Premier Division, although he will now miss a bulk of the campaign as a result of this ban.
Dundalk currently sit bottom of the league having won just one of their opening 14 fixtures.
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