Niall Currie critical of players but concerned at growing levels of abuse from fans

Doherty received a red card from referee Tony Clarke due to what Currie described as “a hand gesture” towards a section of the Linfield support on the way off the pitch.

It is understood Loughran was also involved in an exchange with some away fans in the 2-0 win by Linfield.

Currie opted against offering specific details but described how “a small element” directed comments at his players which “crossed the line”.

Currie has spent decades in the game as player and manager but admits concern at the current climate following a third incident this year between a goalkeeper and rival supporters.

“I know how hard it is, as a former player and former goalkeeper, in my career I was on the end of all sorts of abuse from the crowd,” said Currie. “I’ve had many occasions stood for 90 minutes and been on the end of personal abuse, maybe just from one guy.

“I’ve been very close to reacting many times but knew I had to bite my lip.

“I’ve every sympathy about what was said to both but there are ways of dealing with these things in a proper way.

“Harry was sent off after the game for a hand gesture, Caolan was not booked or anything but what we said to both was you cannot react like that.

“Words are said but you have to remember you are representing your club so, as hard as it is, you must turn the other cheek.

“Then we as a club can act professionally and report the situation and what was said to the officials after the game.

“I know our chairman was talking to a Linfield representative outside.

“It’s very difficult to walk away and not react but I’ve said to both Harry and Caolan that has to be done.

“Both are good lads who have been brilliant all season and we’ve had a talk.

“You’ve got to rise above it and let the club deal with the situation.

“We have to go down different lines as a reaction to those situations.

“We are now paying a price with Harry’s red card.”

Warrenpoint Town goalkeeper Mark Byrne left the pitch in February to enter a brawl involving some Ballymena fans then Crusaders’ Gerard Doherty was recently sent off for throwing bottles back into the Glentoran section.

“I thought we were past those days, I’m not too sure what is going on with our game at the minute,” said Currie. “I’m not talking about Linfield support as a whole - 99.9 per cent love their club and love the game.

“But there was a small element which crossed the line unfortunately today.

“We have to weed out people with that kind of talk as there’s no place in football for it.

“We are trying to encourage children to come to games but I would not want my kids hearing anything like that.”

A Carrick Rangers club statement condemned “vile personal and sectarian abuse directed at players”.

Linfield stated the club was “unaware of the evidence of any sectarian abuse” but confirmed plans to initiate an internal investigation.

“Carrick Rangers FC totally condemn the vile personal and sectarian abuse directed at players during today’s match,” read the Carrick statement. “We would call on all clubs and the NI Football League to take positive action to begin to stamp out what has become an endemic problem in our local game.

“It is totally unacceptable for supporters to bring a megaphone to a football match with the sole aim of directing abuse at players.

“Whilst we in no way condone the actions of players who react to this provocation, this must be seen as a direct result of receiving diabolical abuse throughout the 90 minutes.

“We, more than many clubs this season, are acutely aware of the pressures that our young players face and the impact that this type of abuse can have on their mental health.

“We would call on all clubs to do what they can to try and reverse this very unpleasant trend.”

Linfield issued the following in response: “Linfield FC notes with surprise and disappointment a statement released by Carrick Rangers FC after today’s game in Carrickfergus.

“This club is unaware of the evidence of any sectarian abuse being directed by any of our supporters but in the wake of these serious and unproven allegations and the unacceptable behaviour of certain Carrick players during and at the end of today’s game, the club will initiate an internal investigation upon receipt of the Match reports from both the referee and the match delegate.

“Linfield Football Club is totally opposed to sectarianism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour and abuse.”