Social Democrats TD and former footballer calls on FAI board to intervene over Ireland-Israel fixture

Last weekend the Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary with a further game due to be played next weekend.

Republic of Ireland, players, from left, Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, James Abankwah and Jack Moylan, wearing black armbands in recognition for all the lives lost in the conflict in Gaza, bow their heads during the Israeli national anthem before the UEFA Nations League B match between Israel and the Republic of Ireland at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Social Democrats TD and party spokesperson on sport Daniel Ennis has called on the board of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to step in and support Republic of Ireland soccer players who “don’t want to share the same pitch as a genocidal regime”. 

Representatives of the FAI will appear before the Oireachtas committee on sport later today, where it is expected that they will be asked to explain the decision to go ahead with the fixtures against Israel, in the face of public opposition and concern among players.