Gareth McAuley fears former teammate Kyle Lafferty's international career could be over.
Lafferty was withdrawn from Northern Ireland's squad on the eve of the Nations League game with Kosovo after a video circulated online appearing to show the Kilmarnock striker using sectarian language.
His club Kilmarnock has launched its own investigation into the matter, while Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has refused to rule out a return for the 35-year-old striker.
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McAuley believes it could be a "sad end" for a player who sits second in Northern Ireland's all-time goalscoring charts.
“His legacy will likely be tarnished," McAuley told The Sun.
“In years to come he may not be remembered for the seven brilliant goals which helped us to qualify for Euro 2016.
“Instead, it may be his reaction in a short, sharp video on social media. A moment of madness, possibly saying something that will haunt him for the rest of his career.
“It appeared to be an angry and bitter reaction to being made to look like a fool.”
McAuley added: “Kyle appears to let his guard drop and has been accused of using a sectarian slur.
“Having watched the video I was bitterly disappointed. If he did use such derogatory language there is absolutely no place for that in football and I’m not surprised.
“Kilmarnock launched an investigation and came out with such a hard-hitting statement. The Irish FA took their time, but there is no way with such a serious allegation levelled against him that he could continue to take part in training or play in the Nations League games.
“I’m sure he is currently full of remorse and regret – if he is not, then he should be.”
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