Mayo LGFA club release hard-hitting statement about handling of racist abuse allegations
Westport condemn process regarding racist abuse allegations made by their member
THIS afternoon, Westport LGFA have released a detailed and hard-hitting statement regarding the recent investigation into and subsequent outcome of allegations of racism made by one of their players. The incident occurred in last season's Connacht Club semi-final with Kilkerrin-Clonberne in St Patrick's Park and has since gone through the various steps of the LGFA's disciplinary process.
Today, Westport have expressed their dismay and dis-satisfaction at the process, the way their members were treated and the lack of transparency throughout the entire saga. They have questioned whether the required standard of humanity, transparency and respect was met and they say that future complainants may now be afraid to come forward because of the way the issue has been dealt with.
The following is the statement from Westport LGFA.
Westport LGFA Club unequivocally condemns racism in all its forms and stands fully behind our players, members, and wider community.
The club can confirm that, following an incident involving racial abuse directed at one of our club members during a competitive fixture, a disciplinary process was initiated. Following the initial CODA hearing, the matter was subsequently appealed to the Central Appeals Committee and thereafter to the Disputes Resolution Authority by the respondent.
Throughout this process, our members cooperated fully at every stage, including attending multiple hearings and appeals, including one appeal hearing for which our members received just one day’s notice. At all times, our primary concern has been the wellbeing, dignity, and support of our club member.
However, we wish to make clear that neither the club nor the player directly affected received any notice whatsoever of the subsequent hearing before the DRA. Neither was invited to participate in any capacity, attend the hearing, provide submissions, or even informed that the appeal was taking place. In circumstances involving allegations of racial abuse, we consider that deeply concerning.
The club remains unequivocal in its opposition to racism and discriminatory behaviour in all its forms. Racism has no place in our sport, in our communities, or in society generally. Incidents of this nature must be treated with the utmost seriousness and addressed in a manner that promotes confidence, accountability, transparency, and trust for those affected.
In support of those values, our players and members chose to wear “Say No to Racism” t-shirts at the Connacht final last weekend as a visible demonstration of solidarity and as a statement of the standards we believe should exist within sport. That decision was taken because the obligation to stand against racism goes far beyond club or county loyalties. It is a responsibility we all carry as people.
Silence, indifference, minimisation, or attempts to excuse discriminatory behaviour only serve to undermine those standards. Everyone involved in sport has a responsibility to challenge such behaviour and to ensure that there is a clear and consistent zero tolerance approach to racism at every level of the game.
It appears that the original sanction imposed was ultimately set aside following the appeal process. However, as neither the club nor the player directly affected has received any formal communication, written determination, or explanation from the DRA, we are not in a position to state definitively the basis upon which that decision was made. From what we have been informally led to understand, procedural issues appear to have arisen. If that understanding is correct, we consider it extraordinary and deeply concerning that a matter involving allegations of racial abuse could ultimately fail on procedural grounds.
Perhaps most disappointing of all has been the complete absence of transparency throughout this process. Despite repeated efforts to obtain clarity from CODA at both provincial and national level, and separately from the DRA, we have not received any substantive response or even acknowledgment from either CODA Connacht or the DRA. We understand that DRA determinations are ordinarily published and note that decisions in matters heard after this case have already appeared on the DRA website, yet no determination in this matter has been published. As matters stand, neither the club nor the player directly affected has received any formal explanation or clarity as to the outcome of the process.
While we respect the importance of fair procedures within any disciplinary framework, we are deeply disappointed by the lack of communication and transparency afforded to the player directly affected throughout this process. Our member endured the original incident and then the distress of multiple hearings and appeals, including being subjected to cross-examination by the respondent, only ultimately to be left entirely uninformed of the outcome. We do not believe that reflects the level of care, dignity, or respect that should be afforded to any person involved in circumstances of this nature.
There is a responsibility on sporting bodies to ensure that those who come forward in good faith are treated with humanity, transparency, and respect throughout the process. We believe there must now be serious reflection on whether that standard was met in this instance and on the message this sends to future complainants who may understandably feel reluctant to speak up if this is how matters of this nature are handled.
Notwithstanding everything that has transpired, we remain extremely proud of our member for having the courage to come forward and participate in what has been a lengthy and difficult process.
Our club will continue to promote the values of respect, dignity, equality, inclusion, and zero tolerance for racism at every level of our organisation and our sport.