Dundalk’s Shelvey was punished with a 10-game ban

The league says it is a breach of the FAI’s racism/discrimination regulations.

Dundalk’s George Shelvey was banned for 10 games for insulting a match official after the Lilywhites game against Drogheda United on Monday.

The league says it is a breach of the FAI’s racism/discrimination regulations.

The independent disciplinary committee’s decision can be appealed, but in a statement this evening Dundalk FC said it would not be appealing: “The player attended the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit hearing today and said he deeply regretted the language he used towards the referee.

“Although George quickly recognized that he had used inappropriate language, he initially did not understand the discriminatory aspect of his words. However, after discussing the matter with club officials, he now fully accepts that his words were not only offensive, but also discriminatory.”

In a statement, the FAI and the League of Ireland say they have a strict zero-tolerance approach to any act of racism/discrimination and are committed to ensuring League of Ireland matches remain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Dundalk announced the signing of George Shelvey from Nottingham Forest back in February.

Full statement from the League of Ireland:

An FAI independent disciplinary committee has sanctioned Dundalk FC player George Shelvey for insulting a match official following Dundalk FC’s match against Drogheda United FC on 5 May 2024, in breach of the FAI’s Racism/Discrimination Policy represented.

The FAI and the League of Ireland have a strict zero-tolerance approach to any racism/discrimination and are committed to ensuring that League of Ireland matches remain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

In accordance with FIFA regulations and FAI disciplinary regulations, George Shelvey will serve a ten-match ban.

Please note that the decision of the independent disciplinary committee can be appealed.

Statement from Dundalk FC:

Following a trial completed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit, Dundalk FC can confirm that George Shelvey has been banned for 10 matches for using discriminatory language towards the referee at the end of the game against Drogheda United on May 6th.

The player attended the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit hearing today and said he deeply regretted the language he used towards the referee.

Although George quickly realized that he had used inappropriate language, he did not initially understand the discriminatory aspect of his words.

However, after discussing the matter with club officials, he now fully accepts that his words were not only offensive but also discriminatory.

Both George and the club accept the sanction imposed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit and will not appeal.

Going forward, Dundalk FC will work with George to develop his understanding of these issues.

The club will have no further comment on this matter at this time.