Republic of Ireland defender releases statement on racial abuse suffered after Denmark defeat

Cyrus Christie was subjected to awful abuse on social media following the Republic of Ireland's 5-1 loss to Denmark.

Republic of Ireland defender Cyrus Christie was the target of multiple abusive tweets after the heavy defeat that ended the team's World Cup qualification hopes. Christie scored an own goal in the match. The vile tweets urged the 25-year-old to 'go play for Jamaica' and talked of lynching him. The Gardai are investigating the situation in co-operation with the FAI after teammate James McClean brought it to light on Instagram and during Saturday's PFA Ireland awards. https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/932684683590144000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rte.ie%2Fsport%2Fsoccer%2F2017%2F1120%2F921552-fai-refer-racist-abuse-of%2F Christie has since released a statement on Twitter regarding the situation which you can read in full below.

"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 were all 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 the individuals who do not belong in football or any sport."

https://twitter.com/cyruschristie/status/932721975293771778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcms.sportsjoe.ie%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost-new.php