Damien Duff claims Shelbourne fitness coach was racially abused

James Cox

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff has alleged that a member of his coaching staff was racially abused at last night's SSE Airtricity Premier Division game at St Patrick's Athletic.

Fitness coach Mauro Martins was allegedly the target of the offending comment from a supporter before the game at Richmond Park.

Shelbourne were 2-1 winners over the Saints in Inchicore.

Speaking after the game, Duff paid tribute to the solidarity shown by his players during last night's performance.

"In a strange way I thank the fans becuase it gave us an extra incentive to go and do it for Mauro, because we're a family. We're not a squad, we're not a football club, we're a family, and the lads were desprate to go and get the win for Mauro."

Shelbourne are now five points clear at the top of the table, after Derry City fell to a 2-1 defeat at Bohemians.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Shamrock Rovers got their first win of the campaign, beating Galway 1-0 at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Dundalk and Waterford played out a scoreless draw.