Ukrainians come together but 'new' Ireland still have far to go

It was a night when half and half scarfs, those colourful abominations, sold like hot cakes. And that was okay

8 June 2022; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and teammate Nathan Collins react after conceding their side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League B group 1 match between Republic of Ireland and Ukraine at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The first examples hadn’t long been pinned to stalls around the nearest stadium when half-and-half scarves were being ripped to shreds as crude examples of football’s loss of identity and a turn away from fans towards consumers.

These colourful abominations were symbols of all that was wrong with the game. They were a world away from the tribalism and unceasing devotion on which the game had been built and bonded for almost 150 years, but last night was different.