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10th May 2024
11:56am BST
Dundalk goalkeeper George Shelvey has been handed a 10-match ban for anti-Irish comments made towards referee Rob Harvey.
Shelvey was in-between the sticks for the League of Ireland's basement club as they were beaten by rivals Drogheda United 2-1 in the Louth derby.
The Englishman was shown a straight red card at full time and multiple reports after the game claim he was given an instant dismissal for calling Harvey an "Irish c**t".
As a result the FAI have acted strongly and punished Shelvey by handing the former Nottingham Forest youngster a 10-match ban.
He now won't be available for Dundalk until late July.
A statement from the league and FAI said: "The FAI and League of Ireland maintains a strict zero tolerance approach towards any act of Racism/Discrimination and are committed to ensuring that League of Ireland matches remain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
"In accordance with FIFA Regulations and the FAI Disciplinary Regulations, George Shelvey will serve a ten-match suspension."
Dundalk followed up with their own statement, confirming that they accept the conditions of the ban and had no intention to appeal.
Club statement in relation to George Shelvey's 10-game suspension.
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) May 9, 2024
They said: "Following a process completed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit, Dundalk FC can confirm that George Shelvey has been suspended for 10 matches for using discriminatory language towards the referee at the end of the game with Drogheda United on May 6th.
"The player attended today’s Independent Disciplinary Control Unit hearing in which he explained that he deeply regrets the language that he used towards the referee.
"However, having discussed the matter with club officials he now fully accepts that his words were not only offensive, but also discriminatory
"Both George, and the club, accept the sanction imposed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit and will not be making an appeal."
Dundalk return to action on Friday as they face Waterford where they will look to pick up just their second win of the season.
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