Second Northern Ireland star SENT HOME after Kyle Lafferty ‘sectarian language’ row as historic video emerges online

A SECOND Northern Irish star has been withdrawn from the squad ahead of today's clash with Kosovo after Kyle Lafferty was sent home yesterday.

Kilmarnock star Lafferty was axed from the group yesterday after a video clip was shared online which appears to show the Northern Ireland international using the sectarian slur 'fenian b******".

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The incident occurred after he was tricked by a member of the public who says 'Up the Celtic' while he is caught on camera.

Kilmarnock swiftly launched an investigation into the matter - with NI boss Ian Baraclough announcing the next day that the star was being sent home and would play no part against Kosovo or Greece.

Lafferty hadn't trained since Tuesday due to a back problem - but Baraclough insisted that wasn't "a smokesceen"

And now Conor McMenamin of Glentoran has been sent home - in light of a "historic social media video" which has been circulated.

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A statement from the Irish FA read: "In light of a historic social media video which has been circulated, Connor McMenamin has been withdrawn from the squad."

The video clip appears to show McMenamin in a bar chanting 'Ooh ahh Up the Ra' in reference to the IRA.

Baraclough told Sky Sports about Lafferty yesterday: "The statement has gone out there and I think it is quite clear.

"He has left the squad now for reasons that were stated.

"Listen, I've seen the video, I spoke to him and we discussed it at length.

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"He hadn't trained since Tuesday so that isn't a smokescreen but it adds to it.

"The decision was taken to withdraw him from the squad and Kilmarnock his club will be making a thorough investigation into it."

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Rangers star Steven Davis starts and captains the Northern Ireland side against Kosovo.

Former St Johnstone star Ali McCann and on-loan Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard both start on the bench.

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