Former League of Ireland midfielder Fuad Sule has hit out condemning racist abuse received by three England internationals in the aftermath of their defeat to Italy in the Euros.
Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho missed from the spot before Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka failed to score the decisive strike from twelve yards to break English hearts once again at Wembley Stadium.
After the game, the trio were subject to a barrage of racial abuse whilst a Manchester mural honouring Marcus Rashford was vandalised, even though the striker established a successful campaign to feed schoolchildren earlier this year.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Duke of Cambridge Prince William and the English FA have all condemned the incidents, but former Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Fuad Sule has made his thoughts known a little bit closer to home.
“If racism is the first reaction after a missed penalty did they even deserve to win? I’d be lying if I was to say I’m shocked, embarrassing,” Sule said on Twitter.
Successful businessman and Larne owner Kenny Bruce agreed with Sule’s sentiments and admits there is no place for racism in football.
“It’s an absolute disgrace and those responsible [should be] found, charged and jailed,” the PurpleBricks founder said on social media.
“99% of football supporters believe in balance and equality and certainly not racial abuse so our game can do without that 1%.”
The 24-year-old started out his career at Crumlin United before signing for Shamrock Rovers as a youngster but swapped the League of Ireland for the Irish League in 2018 as he signed for Danske Bank Premiership hopefuls Larne.
The defensive midfielder has been an integral part of Tiernan Lynch’s success at Inver Park. Larne have made strides in Europe recently as they defeated Bala Town last week.
The club was making its’ debut in the Europa Conference League as former Republic of Ireland Under 21 star Cian Bolger played at the heart of Larne’s defence after making the switch from Northhampton Town.
The tall centre half comes with a huge pedigree something Larne manager Lynch feels can take his side to the next level.
“We feel that bringing Cian here is another major step on our journey,” said Lynch.
“He brings with him a lot of experience, after having played the amount of games he has in England, and the vast majority of them at League One level.”
