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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

Linfield FC sack volunteer coach over "sickening" Michaela McAreavey video

A volunteer coach with Linfield has been sacked from his role with the club after appearing to be involved in a "sickening" song about murdered teacher Michaela McAreavey.

Mrs McAreavey was killed just 10 days after getting married, while on honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.

Linfield FC said it had been "made aware of a deeply offensive video in circulation on social media."

Read more: Michaela McAreavey: Orange Order investigating "abhorrent" video

A club spokesperson said immediate action had been taken against the person identified.

"The coach in question has been contacted and notified that his voluntary association with the club has been terminated with immediate effect," a club statement read.

"Linfield FC condemns the offensive, sickening and deeply hurtful and insulting chanting that is taking place on the online video and this club wishes to disassociate itself totally from the unacceptable behaviour that has understandably caused major upset and offence to the Harte/McAreavey families who have suffered terribly since the loss of their daughter/wife several years ago.

"Linfield FC will not tolerate behaviour among any of our personnel that falls short of the standards that the club expects and as has been illustrated on this occasion, the club will act swiftly and decisively against any individual whose conduct falls short of the standards that are required.

"Linfield FC apologies to the Harte/McAreavey families for the hurt that has been caused to them by the offensive actions of one of our now former coaches.

"Linfield FC is totally opposed to sectarianism, bigotry, racism, prejudice and all forms of discriminatory behaviour and there can be no place within this club for any of these forms of offensive and unacceptable behaviour."

The Orange Order has confirmed it is investigating the video, which appeared to show banners linked to the organisation and may have taken place in one of its premises.

The PSNI has also said it is examining the video to see if any offences took place.

The video has drawn unanimous condemnation from politicians in Northern Ireland.

Read more: Michaela McAreavey: Condemnation after "sick" video surfaces

Read more: Lawyer for Michaela McAreavey's family believes police closer than ever to a breakthrough

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