Irish U-15 Side Are Fined €200 for Taking a Stand Against Racism During Match

Credit to Irish U-15 squad Carrigaline United for taking a stand against racism. 

In almost all cases, these stands are met with universal praise. When these lads did it, they were fined €200. 

According to the Irish Independent, coach Mark McCarthy decided to pull his team from a match after one of his players had been repeatedly racially abused and was visually upset.

When the referee didn't act, McCarthy did. 

"

I had to make a moral decision. 

I had to decide whether we should continue and try to win the game, or should I protect our player. I chose to back the player, protect him and the club. And we got punished for standing up for that. I made what I think was the moral decision. I think I made the correct decision. 

He's been subjected to this kind of thing twice. The second time, I had to make a stand. 

"

The side required three points to avoid relegation but decided to walk off the pitch to make a stand. 

As a result, they were fined €200. 

In a statement, the club stood behind the decision to walk off. 

"

We wish to acknowledge all the recent interest in this matter. We the club fully support manager Mark McCarthy's moral decision to withdraw our team to protect our player from this type of behaviour. 

Racist comments are on the increase as identified by our league, we generally support their stand on this matter. 

The decision of the Cork Schoolboy League disciplinary committee is an internal matter for our club Carrigaline Utd. 

AFC and the Cork Schoolboy League, therefore we wish to make no further comment on this decision. 

"

[Irish Independent, h/t Who Ate All the Pies]