The coordinated bot attacks on social media such as the racist abuse directed at Munster rugby player Edwin Edogbo will only worsen in years to come, a University College Cork professor has warned. Unfortunately, the occasion was marred by online racist abuse directed at the player on Irish Rugby social media channels. It is deeply concerning.”Mr McCarthy said online racist abuse of Irish sports stars such as Edogbo has the potential to get worse going forward. “We are aware of some targeted abuse online in recent days and continue to work with Signify and the relevant authorities to report it. “It is clear that racist abuse has no place in Irish society and the IRFU has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism of any form.”

Source: Irish Examiner February 27, 2026 19:00 UTC