SINN FEIN and the SDLP have condemned those who put a replica coffin with an image of Martini McGuinness on a 11th night bonfire.
Sinn Féin’s national chairperson Declan Kearney called on unionist politicians to condemn “hatemongers” who put the offensive coffin of Mr McGuinness, who died in March, on a bonfire in east Belfast.
“I am directly challenging the leaders of all unionist parties to immediately disassociate themselves and their parties from this and other examples of sectarian hate crime,” he said.
Mr McGuinnness’s son Emmett tweeted: “I am very thankful that I was raised by parents never to hate anyone or anything.
“@moneillsf (Michelle O’Neill) is right, the annual display of hate must end.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood tweeted: “More burning images of politicians, the Irish national flag & tyres. What a warped interpretation of Ulster Protestant/Unionist culture.”
Images also emerged on social media of a bonfire in east Belfast draped with a banner carrying a racist message directed at Celtic footballer Scott Sinclair.
In a statement, the PSNI said: “We take hate crime very seriously and actively investigate all incidents reported to us.”
