Dublin, (SANA) – A number of top Irish footballers have joined a group of celebrities in urging the Republic of Ireland to boycott a Nations League match with Israel later this year.
The group “Irish Sports for Palestine” sent an open letter to the Irish Football Association accusing Israel of engaging in a “genocide” during its war against Gaza and violating UEFA and FIFA regulations by allowing teams to play matches in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The letter, titled “Stop the Match,” was signed by Irish League players, former first team coach Brian Kerr, and former star player Louise Quinn.
Among the signatories were well-known cultural and artistic figures, including Irish rock band Fontaines D.C, and Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea.
The letter included a statement from Roberto Lopez, captain of Shamrock Rovers and president of the Irish Professional Footballers’ Association, who is set to participate in the World Cup with Cape Verde in June, saying: “We cannot ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine, human lives lost must come before any sporting consideration.”
Ireland is scheduled to host the Israel team in Dublin on October 4, while another match is set to take place on September 27 at a neutral venue.
A survey conducted by the Irish Football Fan Association revealed that 76% of respondents opposed the match.
L.A.
