Kyle Lafferty axed from Northern Ireland squad over 'sectarian abuse' of Celtic fan

Kyle Lafferty has been dropped from the Northern Ireland squad after a video emerged appearing to show him making a sectarian slur.

The 35-year-old Kilmarnock forward was filmed in an altercation with a man in a nightclub who asked him for a picture before shouting “up the Celts”.

Lafferty allegedly then shouted a sectarian term towards the Celtic supporter as he walked away.

Kilmarnock confirmed on Thursday that the club was investigating the incident after the clip circulated on social media.

Northern Ireland have now confirmed he had been sent home from their Nations League camp.

The former Rangers and Hearts player, who has 25 goals in 85 games for his country, had been selected in Ian Baraclough’s squad to face Kosovo and Greece but had missed training on Wednesday and Thursday over a minor back injury.

A statement from the Irish Football Association said: “Northern Ireland senior men’s team player Kyle Lafferty has been withdrawn from the squad ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Kosovo and Greece.

“The Irish Football Association is aware of a social media video which has been circulated widely. The association also notes an investigation has been launched into the video by the striker’s club, Kilmarnock FC.

“A minor back problem has prevented Lafferty from participating in training since Tuesday.”