Kyle Lafferty has been sent home from international duty amid a Kilmarnock investigation over alleged sectarian comments from the striker.
A video has been circulating social media in which the 35-year-old was seen preparing to pose for a photo with a man, but as the clip is being filmed the man is heard saying “up the Celts” and after stepping away Lafferty is then alleged to have used derogatory sectarian language.
Kilmarnock soon released a statement announcing an investigation into Lafferty's behaviour. And now he has been dropped by the squad that face Kosovo in Belfast tomorrow before travelling to Greece on Tuesday night.
In a statement, the Irish FA said: “Northern Ireland senior men’s team player Kyle Lafferty has been withdrawn from the squad ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Kosovo and Greece.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 prevented Lafferty from participating in training since Tuesday.”
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