Anti-racism in football group Kick It Out says it is "appalled" following allegations of abuse during the opening weekend of the English football season.
Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie claimed his sister was racially abused and hit by a fan during Fulham's 1-0 loss to Barnsley at Oakwell in their Championship opener.
To the Fulham fan that decided to hit my sister at the game today and his wife who justified his action with racist remarks I hope your proud of yourself and feel like a big man. You’ll get what’s coming to you. Regardless how you felt about the result your actions are shameful
— Cyrus Christie (@cyruschristie) August 3, 2019
Kick It Out also said that Republic of Ireland winger James McClean, who currently plays with Stoke City was also subjected to abuse. The Potters lost at home to Queen's Park Rangers on the opening day of the Championship campaign, the game ended 2-1.
In May, McClean shared an image on Twitter of a birthday card sent to him, which included racial slurs against Irish people.
No words needed pic.twitter.com/InDTeHiW1t
— James McClean (@JamesMcC_14) May 1, 2019
In a statement on the organisation's website, Kick It Out said, "We are appalled to hear that the sister of Fulham's Cyrus Christie was subjected to alleged violence and racist abuse on Saturday, with Southend's Theo Robinson, Stoke's James McClean and Barnsley's Bambo Diaby targeted with unacceptable discriminatory abuse too.
"On the first weekend of the season, these incidents should be a reminder for everyone in football that racism and discrimination cannot be ignored.
"Clubs and the football authorities must be relentless in calling out this disgraceful behaviour, and be prepared to issue strong sanctions and education sessions to any supporter involved.
"We have contacted the clubs to offer our support to the players, are liaising with the police and have informed the FA of all the incidents, so that whoever is responsible can be brought to justice.
"Discrimination casts a shadow over football in this country, and we will not stop highlighting the problem while it remains rife in the game."
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