FAI reports alleged racist comments in U15s match

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has reported three alleged incidents of racism in a Republic of Ireland Under-15s match.

The Republic were playing the United Arab Emirates at the Torneo Delle Nazioni tournament in Italy on Thursday.

Archie Quinn scored twice in a 2-0 win, but the FAI says three separate comments, made to two Irish players, have been reported to match officials and tournament organisers.

Jason Donogue, head coach of Ireland's Boys Under-15s, says players and staff were "appalled" that the alleged incident could happen in youth football.

"The players involved have our support, as do their families and team-mates," he said.

"We have a duty to our players and staff, present and future, to call out incidents like this and fully expect the relevant bodies to investigate this and apply strong disciplinary action."

The UAE football association and Torneo Delle Nazioni organisers have been contacted for comment.

The FAI made a complaint to Uefa in March after a Republic of Ireland Under-17s player was allegedly subjected to racist comments in an Elite Phase qualifier with Poland.

In June 2023 the Irish Under-21 players walked off the pitch after a player was allegedly racially abused in a game with Kuwait.

That match was abandoned and the Kuwait Football Association rejected the claims, but no charges were brought by world governing body Fifa.