Cyrus Christie has called for more action to tackle the issue of racist abuse after the Ireland star was targeted by online trolls.
Middlesbrough defender Christie scored an own goal in the Republic of Ireland’s 5-1 defeat to Denmark last week, after which he was subjected to the abuse on social media.
Christie’s international team-mate James McClean drew attention to the situation while speaking at the PFAI awards, which took place on Saturday, and the FAI has since reported the issue to authorities.
Christie released a hard-hitting statement himself last night, which read: ‘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.