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Gareth Fullerton

Kyle Lafferty is withdrawn from Northern Ireland squad

Kyle Lafferty has been withdrawn from Northern Ireland's squad after a video circulated online appearing to show the striker using sectarian language.

The Irish FA released a statement on Friday morning confirming the 35-year-old will play no part in the UEFA Nations League games against Kosovo and Greece.

The video, which has appeared on social media, shows Fermanagh native Lafferty reacting when a man posing for a photograph with him says “Up the Celts”.

Read more: Kyle Lafferty under investigation after alleged use of sectarian language

After stepping away Lafferty is then alleged to have used the term “f****n".

The IFA said in a statement: "Northern Ireland senior men’s team player Kyle Lafferty has been withdrawn from the squad ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Kosovo and Greece.

"The Irish Football Association is aware of a social media video which has been circulated widely. The association also notes an investigation has been launched into the video by the striker’s club, Kilmarnock FC.

"A minor back problem has prevented Lafferty from participating in training since Tuesday."

Lafferty's club Kilmarnock have already launched their own investigation into the video footage.

The Scottish club issued a statement on Thursday which read: “Kilmarnock Football Club are aware of a video circulating online which appears to show a member of our playing staff using language of a sectarian nature.

“The club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. The matter will be investigated by the club.”

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