Séamus Coleman on facing Israel: 'We represent the people of Ireland. We have to take their opinion into account'

The FAI's consistent stance to fulfill the fixture in Dublin – releasing a statement rather than discussing its implications after the draw – hasn’t gone down well with players, if Séamus Coleman’s opinion is anything to go by.

Seamus Coleman speaks to reporters. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

On the eve of Ireland’s next home game, all the talk is about the one coming afterwards in the Autumn.

Israel's arrival in Dublin for the October 5 fixture dominated discourse even in advance of the pairing coming to fruition at the Uefa Nations League draw in Brussels on February 12. It has snowballed since.

That the FAI have taken a consistent stance to fulfill the fixture in Dublin – releasing a statement rather than discussing its implications after the draw – hasn’t gone down well with players, if Séamus Coleman’s opinion is anything to go by.

Ireland’s veteran spoke for the first time about the contentious matter in advance of tonight’s friendly against Qatar and his annoyance was evident.

It comes as the Stop The Game protest group ramped up their campaign and the prospect of a motion to boycott the fixture from FAI members looms.

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry report found that Israel has committed genocide during the war in Gaza.

An FAI motion, backed by 93% of membership, was sent to Uefa last November seeking Israel’s suspension, citing two breaches of Uefa laws, violations which Israel disputes.

"My views are very clear on the fact it should not have landed on our toes of Nathan, the younger players, the squad and manager to answer questions about this,” said 37-year-old Coleman, referring to similar queries being put to 25-year-old captain Nathan Collins on Tuesday.

"It should have been dealt with above us. That’s FAI, Uefa and whatever it is.

"I am a Dad, I am a husband, I've got a heart. I know the difference between right and wrong.

"If I was to ask you (media) the same question, would it be the same opinion? It is awful what is happening. It is extremely sad and a very difficult position for the players to be in.

"I don't think we should be in this position. Absolutely not. But of course we got to answer it. It is very uncomfortable."

The FAI’s position is that Uefa’s sanctions from boycotting the games, both away in Debrecen on September 28 and at home, will cripple them financially and hamper the team’s Euro ’28 qualification prospects.

Coleman struck a chord with public sentiment by declaring their sympathy for the oppressed Palestine population will be factored in.

"We represent our country, the people of Ireland,” added the Donegal native.

“We have to take that into account, what their opinion is on it as well.

"It is not straightforward either. That is the human side, which is so so important.

"It should not be on our toes. There is the football side, the sanctions and everything that comes with it. It is very difficult for us players, the manager, and all the staff that we are dealing with this.

"You know our feelings as human beings."

Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson also offered his input.

He reiterated his position from last year that double-standards applied by Israel escaping the same punishment Russia incurred within days of invading Ukraine.

Their teams, male and female, remain barred from all Fifa and Uefa competitions four years on from an indefinite suspension.

“From a footballing perspective, it's an obstacle I don't like and it's unfair for the players to be in this position,” he reasoned.

“I don't like us to be the bad guys and we are not the bad guys here. We just want to perform.

“The best answer for us is just to win this game, to win this war against them. That would be a perfect answer from my end.”

Government safety advice may change in the coming months that sees the fixture being relocated out of Ireland. There is also the possibility, as alluded to by newly-elected TD Seán Kyne, of the match being held being closed doors without fans.

“It would be a disadvantage from footballing reasons not to play at home because we've done really well at home,” he added.

“It's building into a strong fortress for us so to move it, obviously, will lower our chances.

“I hope people can rally around the players and us playing, instead of protesting or doing something that's damaging.”

Both sports ministers, Patrick O'Donovan and Charlie McConalogue, declared at yesterday’s Oireachtas committee meeting they wouldn’t attend any game in Dublin against Israel.

"There’d be significant repercussions for them within the Uefa system, which is for them to consider,” Mr McConalogue said. “They’ve made their call and we support their decision".