Gardaí probe racist abuse of soccer star Cyrus Christie

REPUBLIC of Ireland football star Cyrus Christie last night hit back at the racist abuse he has received on social media since Ireland’s defeat to Denmark last week.

The 25-year-old defender suffered horrific abuse by online trolls who told him he should go and play for Jamaica instead of lining out for the boys in green.

The FAI reported the abuse to An Garda Síochána, which is now investigating.

Last night Middlesbrough player Christie, who was born in the UK, revealed that it was not the first time he had received racist abuse for wearing the Ireland shirt.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘Firstly I’d like to say I am extremely proud to represent my country the Republic of Ireland and I give everything I can each time I put on the green shirt.

‘I genuinely believe our fans are some of the best in the world. However, there have been a number of racist comments which have been brought to my attention during the World Cup qualifying campaign over the last couple of months and most recently last week.

‘These comments are not representative of our fans or our sport.

‘We were all deeply upset to not reach the World Cup finals and are hurting just as much as everyone else.’

He finished by urging everyone to stand up to racism and drive it out of Irish sport.

He said: ‘It is deeply saddening that racism is still part of the game we all enjoy and love.

‘I strongly believe we need to stand up against these individuals who do not belong in football or sport.’