15/10/2018
NI Footballer Josh Magennis Calls For End To Offensive Chant
A Northern Ireland football player has issued a request for fans to stop singing an offensive song about him during matches.
Josh Magennis, a Bolton Wanderers striker, is the subject of the song which has been sang at Northern Ireland matches for the past year.
The chant makes reference to Mr Magennis' anatomy and is sung to the tune of September, by Earth, Wind and Fire.
The 28-year-old footballer said: "I love playing for Northern Ireland and always appreciate when my name is sung at games.
"I know that the intention of the song is to show support, but I would prefer if it wasn't sung going forward."
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has supported the player's calls for an end to the chant, saying that it has a "zero-tolerance approach to offensive chanting".
The IFA is working with Northern Ireland supporter groups on the issue.
Under the current Football (Offences) Act 1991, it is an office to engage or take part in chanting of any indecent or racialist nature in connection with a designated football match, which is defined by a "matter which is threatening, abusive or insulting to a person by reason of their colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origins".
Northern Ireland will play Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday evening in the Uefa Nations League.
(JG)
Josh Magennis, a Bolton Wanderers striker, is the subject of the song which has been sang at Northern Ireland matches for the past year.
The chant makes reference to Mr Magennis' anatomy and is sung to the tune of September, by Earth, Wind and Fire.
The 28-year-old footballer said: "I love playing for Northern Ireland and always appreciate when my name is sung at games.
"I know that the intention of the song is to show support, but I would prefer if it wasn't sung going forward."
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has supported the player's calls for an end to the chant, saying that it has a "zero-tolerance approach to offensive chanting".
The IFA is working with Northern Ireland supporter groups on the issue.
Under the current Football (Offences) Act 1991, it is an office to engage or take part in chanting of any indecent or racialist nature in connection with a designated football match, which is defined by a "matter which is threatening, abusive or insulting to a person by reason of their colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origins".
Northern Ireland will play Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday evening in the Uefa Nations League.
(JG)
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