The uproar surrounding Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel deepened after Thursday’s friendly between Ireland and Qatar in Dublin was halted twice following fan protests against the planned matches.
During the game at Aviva Stadium, supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch from the stands, forcing play to stop on two separate occasions. Later, a large banner reading #StopTheGame was unveiled in the stands. Chants of “Free Palestine” were also heard during the match and Palestinian flags were waved.
According to reports in Ireland, supporters linked to various clubs in the domestic league claimed responsibility for the protest and issued a strongly worded statement against the Football Association of Ireland and the government. “The Nations League matches between Ireland and Israel must be canceled,” the statement said.
Fans from several major Irish clubs joined the protest, including Bohemians, Cork City, Dundalk, Galway United, Sligo Rovers and Waterford. The demonstration follows growing public pressure in Ireland in recent days for the national team not to play against Israel in matches scheduled for September 27 in Budapest and October 4 in Dublin.
Speaking after the 1-0 victory over Qatar, Irish soccer player Jamie McGrath acknowledged that he expects the protests and public pressure to grow in the coming months.
“I’m sure this will only intensify,” McGrath told BBC. “We don’t want to be in this position. I hope the people above us make decisions or find a solution that serves the greater good.”
The midfielder also addressed comments by Ireland captain Seamus Coleman, who said earlier in the week that “this issue should have been resolved above our heads.” McGrath agreed: “I listened to Seamus’ interview and he was absolutely right. It’s a very unique situation.”
3 View gallery
A large banner reading #StopTheGame was unveiled in the stands
(Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
He added that protesters should be heard as long as demonstrations remain lawful: “People have the right to protest and do what they believe in, as long as it’s done peacefully.”
McGrath admitted that even the players do not know how the situation will develop: “We’ve talked about it a little over the last few days, but honestly, I have no idea what’s going to happen. It could end up being out of our hands.”