League of Ireland club Cork City FC have announced that they have made their final post on social media platform X, after an increase of ‘discriminatory and abusive language’.

The decision to step away from the platform comes after online reaction to their new one-off third kit, which they unveiled last month.

A statement in the club’s X bio reads, ‘We are no longer using X. Please follow @CorkCityFC on other social media platforms.’ The club is still active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads, as well as having an official WhatsApp channel.

The kit in question included a rainbow design across the club crest, Zeus sponsoring, rebel army clothing logos and sleeves, in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The club has said that it is proud to be an inclusive place that welcomes everyone no matter who they are.

‘The kit serves as a symbol of the club’s dedication to diversity, and aims to highlight Cork City FC’s commitment to inclusion for all in sport, while providing tangible support to Cork’s LGBTQ+ youth,’ said the club, which highlighted that it would donate a minimum of €5,000 from the jersey sales to LGBTQ+ youth charity ‘Belong To’.

The kit sparked intense reactions on X, with some users using abusive language against the LGBTQ+ community.

Cork City FC
A detailed view of a Cork City sticker at Turner’s Cross in Cork. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

‘Over the last while, like many others, we have noticed a significant increase in discriminatory and abusive language on X. While differing opinions should and will always be heard, they cross the line when they are intolerant and downright offensive,’ a club statement read.

‘We have a duty of care to our players, our staff, our supporters and the wider community, and it is a responsibility that we do not take lightly.

‘As a result of this, we have decided that X is no longer for us.’