The football league took swift action against a coach earlier this week
A Belfast man has been released on bail after a “drugs menu” was posted in a football coach group chat.
The man was arrested on Thursday, November 27, as part of a PSNI investigation into “messages circulating on social media relating to suspected illegal drug supply.”
Issuing an update on Friday morning, November 28, the PSNI confirmed he “has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries.”
READ MORE: Disgust after NI youth football coach posts ‘cocaine menu’ in league group chatREAD MORE: Football club issue statement and permanently remove coach after ‘drugs menu’ post
Chief Inspector Claire Hamilton said: “Tackling illegal drug supply is a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Drugs bring misery to individuals, families and communities.
“Our message is clear and simple: if you see or know of anyone who is dealing drugs in your local area, then contact us on 101 or make a report online via our website.
“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
The Fonacab Development League took swift action against a coach earlier this week after they posted a drug-dealing menu featuring a list of prices for quantities of cocaine in a group chat used by coaches to confirm match times and the availability of their teams. The message described where the coach would deliver drugs to and that “time wasters will be blocked”.
Speaking to Belfast Live, a spokesperson for the league said that the group chat featured hundreds of coaches and as soon as they became aware of the “disgusting” message they took immediate action to remove the coach.
They said: “A coach from a club has posted that message that is going about, as a league that coach was removed straight away, the coach’s club were informed straight away along with the child protection officers. The coach is now not welcome at any of the Fonacab League venues and this is non-negotiable for us.”
A Belfast football club later issued a statement stating that “this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable”.
The statement said: “The coach involved has been permanently removed with immediate effect.
“We can confirm that all appropriate vetting procedures were followed in accordance with IFA guidelines, and this situation has come as a shock to all of us. As a community club, we pride ourselves on putting the best interests of our players first.”
The statement said the club was “treating this matter with the utmost urgency and will continue to manage it appropriately”.
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