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Belfast Live
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Gareth Fullerton

Belfast football club hits out over alleged sectarian abuse at league game

A Belfast football club has hit out after claiming members of its management team, women and children were allegedly subjected to sectarian abuse on Saturday.

Crumlin Star issued a statement on Sunday to "record its disgust" following the alleged incidents at the end of their game against Islandmagee FC.

Star said the alleged abuse started after they scored a late winning goal at Wilbourne Park.

Read more: Gary Hamilton hits out at 'recurring theme' holding Glenavon back this season

The statement read: "Crumlin Star Football Club would like to record its disgust of the abuse towards Management, Officials, women and children by a faction of so called Islandmagee FC supporters at yesterday's NAFL Premier League Game at Wilbourne Park.

"After scoring a winning goal in added time we were subjected to a torrent of sectarian abuse from fans behind the goal. This included being called Fenian b*******. The Club Manager's wife was called a Fenian w**** and similar abuse was hurled at the Manager's daughter..

"The 5 year old son of our Club Secretary was left traumatised and in tears as his father was threatened with bottles and glasses

"Our supporters were further threatened and abused with sectarian vile (sic) on leaving the ground and the car of the Manager's wife and daughter was attacked upon leaving

"We at Crumlin Star are totally digusted (sic) with this abuse particularly that of women and children.

"We have reported these incidents to the Chairman of the Northern Amateur Football League."

Islandmagee issued a response on Sunday afternoon, stating it 'in no way condones any form of sectarianism'.

The club said it will be "fully investigating the allegations circulating on social media".

Their statement read: "We would like to make clear that the officials, committee, players, management and supporters of Islandmagee Football Club in no way condone any form of sectarianism.

"As a mixed club consisting of people from all different backgrounds and religions over the years this is something that would never be tolerated at Islandmagee.

"The club will be fully investigating the allegations circulating on social media regarding this and will not be making any further comment until the full facts have been presented to the appropriate governing bodies."

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