Volunteer football coach sacked after appearing to take part in ‘sick’ video mocking Michaela McAreavey’s death
Linfield #Linfield
A VOLUNTEER football coach has been sacked after appearing to take part in a “sick” video mocking the death of Michaela McAreavey.
The 27-year-old teacher from Co Tyrone was murdered while on her honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.
5
The 27-year-old teacher from Co Tyrone was murdered while on her honeymoon in MauritiusCredit: Pacemaker Press 
5
Linfield Football Club condemned the ‘deeply hurtful’ videoCredit: Getty Images – Getty 
5
The clip appears to mock the bride’s tragic deathCredit: PA:Press Association, RTE
The “deeply hurtful” video, which appears to mock the bride’s tragic death in a vile song, has been widely shared on social media.
Linfield Football Club in Belfast released a statement this morning after the “offensive” clip was brought to their attention.
They said: “Linfield FC has today been made aware of a deeply offensive video in circulation on social media in which the involvement of a coach at our girls’ Academy can be clearly identified.
“The coach in question has been contacted and notified that his voluntary association with the club has been terminated with immediate effect.
“Linfield FC condemns the offensive, sickening and deeply hurtful and insulting chanting that is taking place on the online video and this club wishes to disassociate itself totally from the unacceptable behaviour that has understandably caused major upset and offence to the Harte / McAreavey families who have suffered terribly since the loss of their daughter / wife several years ago.
“Linfield FC will not tolerate behaviour among any of our personnel that falls short of the standards that the club expects and as has been illustrated on this occasion, the club will act swiftly and decisively against any individual whose conduct falls short of the standards that are required.”
The club has said their thoughts are with the Harte and McAreavey families today and apologised for the “hurt” that has been caused.
They added: “Linfield FC apologises to the Harte / McAreavey families for the hurt that has been caused to them by the offensive actions of one of our now former coaches.
Most read in The Irish Sun
“Linfield FC is totally opposed to sectarianism, bigotry, racism, prejudice and all forms of discriminatory behaviour and there can be no place within this club for any of these forms of offensive and unacceptable behaviour.”
It is unknown where the clip was filmed, but it’s believed to have taken place during the recent Centenary celebrations where some people at a celebration appeared to mock the tragedy.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood called the video “absolutely sick” on social media.
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson was also among those to condemn the “vile” video.
In a post on social media, he said: “This is vile. It is plain wrong and is deeply hurtful to the family of Michaela McAreavey.”
SDLP Councillor Malachy Quinn also expressed his anger on social media.
‘ANGER’
He said: “I was sent this video. I haven’t the words to describe my anger at a song being sung mocking the murder of Michaela McArevey, never mind it being sung at a ‘Centenary Event’.
“This is beyond reprehensible. Those involved should be bloody ashamed.”
Arlene Foster said: “Just Why? A day of celebration for HM the Queen.
“Just so wrong and hateful. Sending love to the Harte and McAreavey families.”
Alliance Party MLA Eoin Tennyson also expressed his frustration with the video that has been viewed by thousands across the country.
He said: “Michaela McAreavey’s warmth, love and compassion was obvious to everyone who knew her.
‘DISGUSTED’
“She was head and shoulders above the cruel and callous idiots in that video. If only they had an ounce of her humanity.
“I am disgusted. My thoughts are with the McAreavey and Harte families.”
Sinn Fein Councillor said his thoughts are with the Harte and McAreavey families.
He said: “Thinking of the Harte and McAreavey families this morning.
“They know, better than anyone, the depth and extent of the respect for Michaela’s memory and the unwavering support for their families.”
McAreavey had married her husband John just ten days before her horrific murder.
The daughter of former Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte was attacked after returning to her room.
Nobody has yet been convicted of her killing.
5
Linfield Football Club said the coach has been ‘terminated’ 
5
They released an official statement this morning