CLUB APOLOGISES TO NI STAR SHIELS AFTER FAKE EYEBALLS ARE THROWN ONTO PITCH
FALKIRK FC has apologised to a footballer from Northern Ireland after fans taunted him with horrific abuse about his missing eye.
Dean Shiels from Magherafelt, who plays for Dunfermline, had one eye removed in 2006 after he lost his sight in it during a domestic accident when he was eight.
The former Rangers and Northern Ireland player was subjected to chants from visiting Falkirk fans as his team won 2-0 in the derby clash at East End park on Tuesday.
Some fans also threw fake eyes towards the player on the pitch.
Falkirk FC has since apologised and vowed to work with Dunfermline to identify those responsible.
In a statement last night, Falkirk FC said: “Falkirk FC apologises unreservedly to Dean Shiels and Dunfermline Athletic FC for the abhorrent behaviour of a small number of individuals at this afternoon’s Ladbrokes Championship match.
“The club wholeheartedly condemns the abuse witnessed towards Dean Shiels in the strongest terms and will be working closely with Dunfermline Athletic FC to identify those responsible.
“Abuse towards anyone with a disability is simply unacceptable and the fact this took place within a sporting context with rivalries at play is no excuse. This needs to stop now. Disability Awareness Training is already being delivered to all staff and players at Falkirk FC and we take our commitment to equality seriously.
“We will look to take action against anyone identified from today’s game and will not allow this disgraceful behaviour to be repeated.”
Two Falkirk players, Joe McKee and Kevin O’Hara, were handed a combined 12-match ban by the Scottish Football Association after being found guilty of taunting the player in the October Challenge Cup game over the loss of his eye.
Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston praised the 32-year-old Northern Ireland man.
He said: “It’s great discipline he showed — the whole team showed that.
“You never like to hear things like that, it is poor and that’s why it was important to get the win. He had a lot to deal with, I think the whole club has.
“We have dealt with it professionally and you just have to move on. It is unacceptable in this day and age.”
Dean’s dad is Kenny Shiels, the manager of Derry City FC.
He has spoken out previously about the abuse his son faced. In November he told the Daily Record: “I have an immense pride in Dean, both as a father and what he has come through.
“He’s had to battle against a lot throughout his career, he has been toughened by it.”
He said the abuse from fellow players had hurt his son “more than anything”.