Former Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has suggested that Simon Zebo was guilty of ageism when he described the man who has racially abused him during Racing 92's game against Ulster earlier this month as "elderly".
Following Ulster's victory against Zebo's Racing 92 side, the former Munster player tweeted: "I hope my ears deceived me with some comments directed my way from the crowd #NotOn Django wins in the end."
He subsequently elaborated on the incident during an interview with Rugby Pass, saying, "It was even more disappointing that I went home and it was an elderly man, 40 plus. It just annoyed me a bit. But it is water off a duck's back for me."
It was those comments with which Nesbitt, the former broadcaster turned politician who stepped down as leader of the UUP two years ago, somehow managed to take offence.
In a tweet, he absurdly equated Zebo's remarks to racism.
First and foremost Simon Zebo should not have been abused by the Ulster fan who shouted something inappropriate - but Zebo shouldn’t describe him as “an elderly man, like 40 plus”. Ageism, racism, both wrong
— Mike Nesbitt (@mikenesbittni) January 22, 2019
In a statement released to RTÉ on Tuesday, Ulster Rugby said it had hit the supporter with a lifetime ban for breaching stadium regulations. That measure was taken following a "robust investigation".
We doubt there will be any such investigation into Zebo's comments.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
