THERE have been calls for the resignation of Bray Wanderers General Manager, Martin ‘Murt’ O’Connor after he posted racist and homophobic comments on Facebook.
The Wicklow Times, who broke the story, report that Bray Wanderers issued a statement, but "stopped short of apologising."
The highly offensive posts were made following England's exit from Euro 2016 last month and in the wake of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando which left 50 people dead, and 53 badly injured.
O' Connor posted this picture with a comment about England midfielder Raheem Sterling following England's defeat in France.
Following the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida in June, O' Connor posted: “Man opens fire killing 50 in a gay club in Florida. Apparently he wasn’t a straight shooter”.
Within hours of posting the messages they had been shared hundreds of times.
Mr O’Connor has now closed his Facebook page.
Supporters of the club and members of the public are outraged, and many think O’Connor should step down.
Bray Wanderers later issued a statement saying that O’Connor had “not authored” the post about Raheem Sterling, and had “allowed himself to be dragged into an exchange of words” regarding the shooting.
The club said:
Anyone engaging on social media needs to be very aware of the consequences of stupid and hurtful comments - he failed in this regard. He has been made aware of his responsibilities as General Manager and has undertaken to promote a new awareness in the Carlisle Grounds of our social responsibilities which includes equal opportunities for all and indeed equal treatment.
Speaking to The Wicklow Times, Former Chair of Yes Equality Ian McGahon said: “The response offered from the Chairman of Bray Wanderers Denis O’Connor on this matter is poor and unacceptable on several fronts. Firstly Mr O’Connor has attempted to excuse the issue by saying the general manager allowed himself to get involved in an exchange of words...Denis O’Connor dismissed the comments as merely ‘banter’ and ‘stupid and hurtful’. The comments were homophobic and racist. Bray Wanderers management need to acknowledge that."
McGahon continued: "These damaging comments send out an unwelcoming message to minority ethnic communities."
When contacted by Wicklow Times the FAI stated: “The Football Association of Ireland take all allegations of racism and homophobia extremely seriously and we’re currently investigating the matter...Until the investigation is concluded, we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Since the story broke it has caused national debate in Ireland on social media and on the airwaves.
Last week there was a march on Bray Wanderers club grounds organised by the Gay and Transgender lobby.
Below is a screengrab of O'Connor's post about the shooting of 50 people in an Orlando nightclub:
