St Pat's disgusted by 'vile racist messages' directed at two players after CSKA tie

St Patrick's Athletic have reported racial abuse against two of the club's players to UEFA arising from last night's European Conference League clash with CSKA Sofia in Tallaght.

The Saints say that the abuse came to light today as one of the club's players was sent racist messages on his personal social media account, while another was racially abused during last night’s game.

Having won that first leg of the third round qualifier in Sofia, the Saints lost 2-0 in Tallaght, missing out on a place in the ECL play-offs.

READ MORE: Tim Clancy fumes over penalty decision that cost St Patrick's Athletic vs CSKA Sofia

Tempers flared after the final whistle in Tallaght with a player from each side red carded.

The incidents have been reported to UEFA, the FAI and SARI.

Club Chairman Garrett Kelleher said: “We are appalled and disgusted by the vile racist messages and language that has been directed at our players.

"St Patrick’s Athletic is a multi-cultural, inclusive and welcoming club to all individuals, with a zero tolerance policy to racism and abuse of any kind.

"The club has offered its full support to both players, and we look forward to seeing them back on the pitch at Richmond Park on Sunday.”

There were fears before the first leg tie in Sofia last week that there could be racist incidents, given previous history there.

Speaking on the eve of that tie, Saints boss Tim Clancy said: "You’re hopeful it’ll pass off without incident.

"You need to be brain-dead or knuckle dragging to be talking about racism in this day and age.

"England had a problem out here before. If there’s an incident, it’ll be up to the officials to take appropriate action."

The Saints face Sligo Rovers in an important Premier Division fixture at Richmond Park on Sunday.

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