Cyrus Christie calls for fans to stand up to racist trolls following vile abuse
James McClean has come to the defence of the Middlesbrough right-back, who was told to "play for Jamaica" after the 5-1 defeat against Denmark
CYRUS CHRISTIE has called for fans to stand up to racist individuals after suffering vile abuse after Ireland’s World Cup qualification heartache.
The defender played in the Republic’s 5-1 defeat to Denmark, which KO’d their dreams of reaching Russia 2018.
And the Middlesbrough ace, 25, was targeted by a troll who tweeted: “You’re worth f*** all mate go play for Jamaica you ugly… b*****d.”
Christie has hit back with a lengthy statement on Twitter calling for racism in any sport to stop.
He wrote: "Firstly, I'd like to say I am extremely proud to represent my Country the Republic of Ireland and I give everything I can each time I put on the green shirt.
"I genuinely believe our fans are some of the best in the world.
"However, there have been a number of racist comments which have been brought to my attention during the World Cup qualifying campaign over the last couple of months and most recently last week.
"These comments are not representative of our fans or our sport. We are deeply upset to not reach the World Cup finals and are hurting just as much as everyone else.
"It is deeply saddening that racism is still part of the game we all enjoy and love.
"I strongly believe we need to stand up against these individuals who do not belong in football or any other sport."
Team-mate James McClean hit out at the racist lout during the PFA Ireland awards, though he did not name Christie.
McClean said: "Everybody watched the game and it was poor, we know that.
"But some of the comments afterwards, which my Instagram post was about, went beyond football.
"One player in particular was told to go and play for Jamaica. Make of that what you want.
"It really upset him. My comments weren’t based on football, they were more personal.
"That’s for a player who has been a good servant to his country and it cut deep.
"That player was in tears, by the way. You’ve just missed out on the World Cup and then to have that..."
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Christie made his international debut for Ireland in 2014, and has since went on to make 17 caps.
He has netted twice in the colours of the Boys in Green, and has established himself as his nation's first choice right-back.