Sports Minister Shane Ross says he's shell shocked after the arrest of the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland in Brazil.
Shell shock here in Rio
— Shane Ross (@Shane_RossTD) August 17, 2016
OCI boss Pat Hickey was detained at his hotel in Rio this morning as part of the investigation into alleged ticket touting at the games.
Police say he's accused of plotting with at least 6 others to illegally sell tickets.
Pat Hickey's accreditation lies on the table at the Civil Police Fraud Unit Press Conference in Rio #InphoInRio pic.twitter.com/cq6o1wQGdT
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) August 17, 2016
They have seized more than 1,000 tickets allocated to Ireland, which were being sold at above face value.
The act of arrest pic.twitter.com/Sd3K5c0OFl
— Jamil Chade (@JamilChade) August 17, 2016
The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is aware of the arrest and stands ready to provide consular assistance if requested.
The Minister for Education Richard Bruton says he will let the investigation take its course before commenting.
Meanwhile Dublin TD Rock described it as a dark day for Irish sport he says "It is a source of deep shame that it has come to this, and now the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland has been arrested. This is extraordinary and unprecedented, and casts a dark shadow over our Olympics".
He spoke to Susan Keogh
