A youth football coach in Belfast has been permanently expelled from his club after posting what appeared to be a detailed price list for cocaine in a league-wide WhatsApp group used to arrange fixtures.
Shocking Details of the Post
The message, which was posted on Wednesday and later deleted, listed prices for 'proper pure bags' of the illegal substance. It explicitly detailed specific times, meeting locations, and insisted on cash payment. The post was made in a group chat that reportedly includes about 400 coaches from 300 different grassroots teams, making the breach of trust particularly severe.
Swift Action and League Response
The club involved, based in west Belfast, acted with urgency upon discovering the incident. In a statement, the club confirmed the coach's immediate and permanent removal, stating this type of behaviour is 'completely unacceptable'. The club emphasised its commitment to player welfare, confirming its vetting procedures follow Irish Football Association guidelines.
The FonaCab Development League, which oversees the competition, clarified that while it cannot monitor every message between coaches, it has clear expectations for professional conduct. A league spokesperson confirmed the coach had been removed from the fixtures group and that safeguarding procedures were activated. 'Our responsibility is to protect the wellbeing of every child,' the league stated, thanking the vast majority of coaches who uphold its values.
A Wider Problem in Northern Ireland
This alarming incident highlights a broader societal issue. According to Northern Ireland's health department substance misuse database, of people in the region who consume illegal drugs, almost half – 46.4% – use cocaine. The event has sent shockwaves through the local grassroots football community, raising questions about the conduct expected in digital spaces used for organising youth sports.
