A man was subjected to racial abuse by a number of people in south Belfast yesterday afternoon (Saturday).
It’s understood the man was Ali Askir, who has lived in Belfast since 1989. He owns the restaurant SAFA.
He said he was branded a ‘Paki Irish b*****d’ by Northern Ireland football fans travelling to the yesterday’s match.
Police said they received a report of an incident in the Donegall Avenue/Kitchener Street area.
They confirmed that a man who was driving in the area round 4pm was subjected to racial abuse by a number of people in the area.
There has been a huge outpouring of support for Ali on Twitter with many condemning the racial slur, saying it’s not reflective of Belfast.
Police are now investigating the circumstances of the incident and are treating it as a racially motivated hate crime.
Anyone who was in the area at the time and who witnessed the incident is asked to contact detectives in Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 1476 08/09/18.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
I’m not to sure after today’s incident whether I’m glad to be in Belfast or not , racial chanting simply because my motor says Irishcurryawards , hear is new one for me paki irish bastard, police was rude to @AllisonMorris1 @TheSundayLife @BelfastLive #nifootball
— Ali Askir ? (@dukeofspice) September 8, 2018
This is not about Northern Ireland football supporters ! it’s about few bad apples ! There going to be bad anywhere you put them , majority of sports fans no mater where they from game always good , we need to find ideas to tackle this not pick on either side
— Ali Askir ? (@dukeofspice) September 8, 2018