Celtics complained of racial abuse at half-time, says chairman

The chairman of Cootehill Celtic has revealed that the club brought the matter of the alleged racial abuse directed at one of their players to the attention of the fourth official and the referee at half-time in the IFC final replay. And Larry McCluskey has also insisted that the club have "no qualms" about the result of the match itself - rather, he said, there is "widespread disquiet in the area" over the alleged incident, which he says happened just before half-time. "The committee decided to lodge a complaint with the board - we have no problem with the officials or the result of the match, it's simply a matter of the racist abuse. We are satisfied that there is a case to be answered," said the chairman. The club lodged a complaint with the county board and have, he revealed, named an individual. "The offended player would be quite certain of the source of the abuse and that's reflected in the complaint lodged. "We congratulated Lacken on the win and shook their hands and the chairman of Lacken assured me it wouldn't be condoned by his club, and I fully accept that. "We have no qualms about losing the match, this is totally unconnected to that. "It was obvious in the dressing-room at half-time that the player was visibly upset by it. It is now a matter for the authorities to investigate it and take whatever action they feel is appropriate. "No player ought to be subjected to that sort of abuse, it is unsporting and unlawful now as well." Cavan PRO Declan Woods confirmed that a complaint had been made and would be dealt with by the CCC. "This will be investigated thoroughly by our board. There are specific guidelines to follow in these matters and we will be following them," he said.