Race storm over Ulster Rugby player’s online post
ULSTER Rugby is refusing to comment on a social media post sent by a player to a team-mate using a nickname which is also a derogatory term for a black person.
The post appeared yesterday on the Instagram profile belonging to Craig Gilroy as an Instagram ‘story’.
It ‘tagged’ fellow Ulster player, John Cooney, saying: “Happy Bday c**ns!!” Accompanying the message with a picture appearing to show Mr Cooney with a group of young black children.
The unfortunate message then subsequently appeared to have been taken down, and the Belfast Telegraph contacted Ulster Rugby to comment on the social media post.
A spokesperson for the organisation told this newspaper in response: “No comment.”
The incident is the second time in recent weeks officials have been forced to address the behaviour of its players off the pitch since furloughing the team and other staff in response to the Covid-19 crisis last month.
Over a week ago, Ulster Rugby was forced to remind players of social-distancing guidelines after three players were observed arriving at a park — via two vehicles — in east Belfast.
David O’connor, who made his Ulster debut last September, his brother Alan and fellow teammate Marty Moore conducted what appeared to be a training session at Greenville Park.
The trio provoked the anger of a resident, who shouted at the players, urging them to think of social-distancing guidelines.
In a separate incident Gilroy was also spotted training with someone who is not believed to be a member of his household.
Under legislation, people are allowed to take daily exercise, but only with members of their household. Members of the public must also adhere to keeping a two-metre distance from other people.
In a statement issued at the time, Ulster Rugby said they have spoken to the players involved to remind them of the rules in relation to social distancing.