O’Byrne’s Sterling post ‘deeply disappointing’

SPORT Ireland has described a controversial social media post made by Basketball Ireland CEO Bernard O’Byrne as ‘deeply disappointing’.

The former Football Association of Ireland chief executive quipped that ‘Black Dives Matter’ under a BBC News Facebook post about Raheem Sterling being awarded a penalty against Denmark.

The comment was later deleted and Mr O’Bryne subsequently apologised for what he described as an ‘error in judgement’.

Manchester City star Sterling is a wellknown supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. Sport Ireland provided €740,000 in funding to Basketball Ireland this year.

In a statement to OTB Sports, Sport Ireland said it: ‘Notes the apology of Bernard O’Byrne… following inappropriate remarks… on social media. Mr O’Byrne’s remarks were deeply disappointing as all National Governing Bodies and their representatives are expected to promote sport in an inclusive manner and to show leadership on the issue of inclusion.

‘Sport Ireland places a strong emphasis on the promotion of diversity and inclusion at all levels, and in all areas of sport. Sport Ireland is unequivocal in its stance against discrimination of any kind and it is incumbent upon all involved in the sport sector to demonstrate that opportunities in sport are open to all. As this is now an internal Basketball Ireland issue, Sport Ireland is not in a position to provide any further comment on the matter.’

Basketball Ireland said it is ‘conducting a full investigation’ into the matter.