Sir, -Sport and politics are inseparable – however much governing bodies try to present them as distinct.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland’s home Nations League fixture against Israel will be played behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, October 4th. What has received far less attention is that Ireland will also play Israel on September 27th – an away fixture that has likewise been moved to a neutral venue, this time in Debrecen, Hungary.
Relocating both fixtures to neutral venues may avoid forfeited points and potential sanctions, but agreeing to play them at all risks normalising a situation the Irish State has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned. If Ireland believes Israel’s conduct warrants sustained condemnation, then its actions should reflect that position.
A neutral venue and closed doors do not resolve the underlying contradiction. They merely change the setting while leaving the principle untouched. The question is not where these matches are played, but whether they should be played at all if Ireland’s stated principles are to carry real weight. – Yours. etc,
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EILEEN SEERY,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.
