There were truly depressing scenes at an intercounty hurling game today in Carrick-On-Suir, as Wexford captain Lee Chin was subjected to racist abuse from the stands by a supporter.
Wexford were playing Tipperary in a charity challenge match at the Carrick Swan club. The incident occurred in the 69th minute of the game. A number of Wexford players immediately confronted the supporter after the incident.
Referee John Keenan blew the game up in the aftermath.
Witnesses told the Irish Independent that the abuse directed at Chin was 'sickening'.
Tipperary statement on Lee Chin incident
The Tipperary county board released a statement this evening calling such behaviour 'totally unacceptable'.
"The Tipperary senior hurlers played Wexford this afternoon in a senior hurling challenge hosted by the Carrick Swan club."
"Unfortunately as the game entered the closing stages, a member of the public who is not connected to either Tipperary GAA or the Carrick Swan club made racial comments which were directed at a member of the Wexford team.
"Tipperary GAA wish to state quite clearly that this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and has absolutely no place at our games or in our society."
Not only is Chin the Wexford captain, he is one of the most high-profile personalities in intercounty hurling. He has spoken open and honestly about the racism he's been subjected to throughout his life, and it's grim to see such an incident occur on the eve of the 2023 Championship.
In 2018, Chin spoke about the kinds of everyday racism he has to endure.
"I still have small experiences of everyday racism. The difference is I am a little older now, so I’ve more control over how I let it affect me.
"When I was younger my mother’s reassurances helped me enormously, but now I can deal with it in my own way. Sometimes it’s very frustrating, just that feeling of disrespect, it’s subtle but stuff still happens."
