He won't be able to play until the end of July now
Dundalk goalkeeper George Shelvey has been banned for 10 games for making anti-Irish comments towards referee Rob Harvey.
Shelvey was a regular for the League of Ireland underground club, who lost 2-1 to rivals Drogheda United in the Louth derby.
The Englishman was shown a straight red card throughout the game and multiple reports after the game claimed he was summarily sacked for calling Xavi an “Irish bastard”.
Therefore, the FAI took tough measures and punished Shelvey, banning the former Nottingham Forest youngster for 10 games.
He now has until the end of July to compete at Dundalk.
Will Dundalk appeal?
A statement from the League and League of Ireland said: “The League and League of Ireland maintain a strict zero-tolerance approach to any racist/discriminatory behavior and are committed to ensuring League of Ireland matches provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
“In accordance with FIFA regulations and FIFA disciplinary rules, George Shelvey will be suspended for ten games.”
Dundalk later issued a statement of their own confirming they accepted the conditions of the ban and had no intention of appealing.
Club statement on George Shelvey's 10-match ban.
— Dundalk Football Club (@DundalkFC) May 9, 2024
They said: “Following procedures completed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit, Dundalk Football Club can confirm that George Shelvey has been suspended for using discriminatory language towards the referee at the end of the match against Drogheda United on 6 May. 10 games.
“The player attended today's Independent Disciplinary Control Panel hearing where he explained that he deeply regrets the language he used towards the referee.
“However, after discussing the matter with club officials, he now fully acknowledges that his comments were not only offensive but also discriminatory.
“Both George and the club accept the sanctions imposed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Authority and will not appeal.”
Dundalk return to action on Friday when they face Watford, looking for their second win of the season.
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