The Republic of Ireland men’s international soccer squad has been urged to abandon an upcoming fixture with Israel, as the first of two protests was staged outside a Dublin stadium.
The game has been the focus of sustained protest and political commentary, with one player, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, refusing to participate in the two sides’ first Nations League fixture as a matter of “principle”.
The Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday.
They are to play again this Sunday at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia.
The game had been due to be a home fixture for the Republic of Ireland, but it was moved to a neutral venue and behind closed doors by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) because of “operational challenges”.
The FAI and players have been urged to abandon the second leg by pro-Palestinian supporters.
The Aviva Stadium hosts Ireland v Austria at 19.45pm on Thursday and some supporters were using the fixture to protest against the next match with Israel.
At a roundabout approaching Lansdowne Road, which will see thousands of fans walking towards the ground, dozens of protesters gathered from 2pm as part of the Stop the Game campaign.
Speaking to the Press Association at the demonstration, Emma Browne said: “Palestinian kids have no pitches for playing in, some of them have had their limbs removed.”
Ms Browne, from Dubs for Palestine, said Israel fans in the last game had shouted support for the Israel Defence Forces.
“It shouldn’t have got to this stage but because the FAI didn’t support their players, unfortunately, what it all comes down to, every single one of us personally, is responsibility, ethics and the right moral choice.
“There’s one player who has made the correct moral choice and that’s Gavin Bazunu. We fully support him and stand behind him.”
Stephen Douglas said: “Personally I feel this is wrong, they shouldn’t be playing it.
“What’s happening is terrible and this would show that Irish people are not happy.”
Mr Douglas said most people in Ireland have solidarity with Palestine and added: “It is a logical follow-on that we wouldn’t play.
“Playing has put everyone in an uncomfortable position, all the players are uncomfortable – you can tell.
“I think the FAI are uncomfortable. No one is happy.”
Mr Douglas said the FAI also needed to explain what the sanctions for not playing the match would be and why there was a decision for the players to vote twice over participating in the first game.
He said Ireland should call Uefa’s “bluff” and not play the next match, adding: “If Ireland does it, other countries will follow.”
Mr Douglas said he had given his season ticket away and he felt there would be long-term consequences for support of the FAI if the next match with Israel goes ahead.
Dubliner Mick Cuddy said the players need to “cop themselves on” and claimed they were “not representing the people of Ireland”.
“They should be ashamed of themselves.”
He said the protest was a “last-ditch attempt to get the players to do the right thing”.
“OK, they shouldn’t have been put in this position, but they’re in this position now and they still have a choice.”
He added: “It is up to them to have the courage.
“All we’re asking the players to do is make a gesture and if they do they do they’ll be remembered as heroes.
“If they don’t they’ll be remembered as one of the team who went out and brought shame.”
Another protest co-ordinated by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has been organised for the surrounding areas in the hour before kick-off.
The IPSC said the protest aims to send a “clear message to the FAI and the Government that the vast majority of the Irish people disagree” with these “games of shames”.
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