Time for govt to intervene and stop the game – Labour
Time for govt to intervene and stop the game - Labour - The Labour Party
Reacting to the FAI press conference ahead of Ireland’s game against Israel, Labour TD Ciarán Ahern said Government needs to intervene to stop the game and end the unfair pressure players and management are currently under.
Deputy Ahern said:
“Firstly, it should never have come to this. The scenes that played out in Hungary this morning are understandable, inevitable, and grossly unfair to the individuals of our national football team.
“They were the consequences of a Government that refused to show any leadership on the issue consistent with the views of Irish people and football fans.
“Government have placed a sporting body and individual players under unbelievable financial and moral pressure.
“Government should have backed the FAI to take the decision to stop the game from day one.
“Even at this late stage, and while a player vote has happened, Government should intervene and take this enormous pressure off of the individual players.
“Listening to Heimir Hallgrímsson would indicate that many players may continue to reflect on their vote over night.
“Government should guarantee the FAI a financial backstop to any consequences from them making the decision that many on the team would like to take. Fans understand there may be sporting consequences, and will accept them. Taking a stand against genocide is more important.
“Credit must also be given to Gavin Bazunu for taking the brave decision not to play the game. I suspect there are other players amongst him in the squad that would appreciate the protection of Government to support a decision to stop the game.
“Players should be thinking about representing their country, not carrying the weight of a decision they never should have been asked to make. Irish football must not be used to sportswash the Israeli government’s genocide in Gaza.
“It’s not too late for Government to intervene. It is clear that there is enormous anxiety across the Irish squad and it’s hard to understand how they can properly prepare for the game at this stage. It’s clear that the Irish public and fans do not want this game to go ahead. It is never too late to do the right thing.”