Ulster Unionist Sports spokesperson Michael McGimpsey MLA has called on the Sports Minister to implement in full the report by the Independent Working Group into sectarianism in Boxing.
Speaking after attending a meeting of the Stormont Culture, Arts & Leisure committee with members of the Independent working group, Mr McGimpsey said;
“The report of the Independent Working Group which found that there were "incidents of sectarianism and racism" in amateur boxing in Northern Ireland made for very uncomfortable for reading for some, and vindicated the position of Sandy Row Boxing Club in my South Belfast constituency.
“This morning the DCAL committee held a very positive and constructive meeting with members of the Independent working group – Duncan Morrow, Trevor Ringland and Ryan Feeney - at the Crescent Arts centre.
“The meeting confirmed my view that their report, which found that Sandy Row Boxing club had been discriminated against in terms of sectarianism and racism, must be implemented, or else there must be financial implications for the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA)."
“There is no place for sectarian and or racial abuse in any sport. Clearly, the current governance arrangements are not fit for purpose.
“Quite simply, the report must be implemented in full.”