IRELAND players have walked off the pitch after an alleged racist remark was made towards one of their players.
The U21 international friendly against Kuwait was abandoned after an apparent racist remark made by a Kuwaiti player towards and Irish substitute.
Republic of Ireland captain Andrew Morgan leads his side out before the International friendly match between the Republic of Ireland U21’s and Kuwait U22’S
The Republic of Ireland team before the International friendly match at Parktherme Arena in Bad Radkersburg, Austria. Photo by Blaz Weindorfer/Sportsfile
Ireland were leading 3-0 in the game which was being played in Austria.
FAI intends to report the incident to FIFA and UEFA officials.
Taking to social media the Irish football body said: “The FAI regrets to announce that today’s U21 international against Kuwait has been abandoned after a racist remark was made by a Kuwaiti player towards one of our substitutes.
“The FAI does not tolerate any racism towards any of our players or staff and will be reporting this serious matter to FIFA and UEFA.”
The fixture was Ireland’s second during a tour of Austria, with the side drawing 2-2 against Ukraine on Saturday.
An earlier scheduled game against the Gabon U23 side was cancelled after the African side opted not to travel.
Meanwhile, Stephen Kenny’s senior side are looking to bounce back from the devastating defeat in Athens on Friday night.
Ireland play Gibraltar in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium.
After the Boys in Green lost 2-1 to Greece in Athens last Friday, Brady sounded off on the talent within the squad, calling it “the worst in my lifetime”.
These comments were dismissed by Kenny himself, while Brady was quizzed on them on Monday afternoon.
Speaking on RTE Radio, he said: “A lot was made of that statement and I am sorry if it sounded disrespectful to the players.
“The players are giving their all but I just feel the talent in this squad doesn’t compare to the teams that I have seen in the past, the teams that I have played in, the teams that Giovanni Trapattoni had and Martin O’Neill had.
“I think things have just gradually gotten worse with the players we are producing. It is a worry.”
The former Ireland international did point to Evan Ferguson as a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.
However, the Dubliner insisted that a lot more than the 18-year-old striker will be needed.
He added: “Obviously, young Evan Ferguson coming along. He is going to be a big boost.
“I really think he is going to be a top class player but we used to have five, six, half a dozen players of top class quality and they are just not there anymore.
“The future for Ireland is a bit of a worry.
“I had hoped that I was going to finish up with a win in Greece and a win against Gibraltar tonight and we would have a chance of qualifying from a very, very difficult group, but I think with the result the other night, it has really compromised those chances.”