FAI boss calls on social media companies to tackle abuse suffered by James McClean and Shane Duffy

In his first press conference since taking up the role with the FAI four months ago, Hill claims the association holds a 'very firm' stance on the issue of online sectarian and racial abuse and also called on social media companies to do more to tackle the problem.

"I've not spoken to James personally but clearly we're aware of the issues," said Hill. "We've supported James as an organisation and association and myself as well in relation to that via social media.

"Very simply, and I'm not personalising this, but no individual should have to face that kind of abuse on social media or anywhere actually, be it in a ground or wherever. We have a very firm view on that as an association and I know many other associations and UEFA, FIFA share that position."

Mr Hill had previously condemned the abuse and issued a statement supporting McClean when the former Derry City winger and his wife Erin revealed the latest vile threats they received earlier this month.

"To abuse or threaten James or any player because of his nationality should not be tolerated by society," read his statement. "Unfortunately, such behaviour is all too common now on social media.

"Only last week we commended the stance taken by English football against the abuse of footballers across all social media channels and we are examining how best we can take a similar stance.”-

And when quizzed on Friday morning about how the FAI were supporting the Creggan born player, the FAI boss explained the association's Intercultural Officer, Des Tomlinson had 'overall responsibility' to deal with these types of attacks on Irish footballers and claimed the English FA were also committed to 'eradicating any similar activity.'

"This is a complex issue," he added. "Am I speaking the English FA on a regular basis? Yes I am because both of us are involved in the organisation of Euro 2020. We are talking about a joint bid in relation to World Cup 2030 as well. We speak on a regular basis.

"Look, it's a complex issue and in fairness to the English FA, I think they're very committed to eradicating any similar activity across the board in England as well. It needs the support of government and social media companies as well.

"I know they (English FA) are very proactive and we have people within the FAI itself, Des Tomlinson who has overall responsibility and I know he is engaging on a daily basis, not just with the English FA but with other FAs as well and also with UEFA and FIFA. So we are very aware of the issue."

Fellow Derry native, Ireland and Celtic defender Shane Duffy was the latest Irish player to receive sectarian abuse when targeted by a vile troll who mocked the death of the 29-year-old's father.

Duffy was also branded "disabled" and an "fenian ugly b*****d" among other appalling slurs on an Instagram post, prompting Celtic to issue a strong statement backing the defender and demanding action to be taken against the individual responsible.

A club spokesperson said: "It is disgraceful that Shane should be targeted in this way through such sickening sectarian abuse - and mocking the death of Shane’s father is quite simply despicable.

"This is mindless, vile and abhorrent behaviour and must be challenged and condemned."