James McClean has voiced his opinion on the UEFA Nations League fixtures
James McClean has voiced his opinion that the Republic of Ireland’s forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel ought to be cancelled.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad are scheduled to take on Israel on 27 September away from home, with the return fixture taking place at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium seven days later.
Earlier this week, a coalition of prominent figures and footballers urged the Football Association of Ireland to withdraw from both fixtures. Musicians Paul Weller and members of Kneecap, alongside actor Stephen Rea and several current and former players, put their names to an open letter demanding a boycott as part of the Stop the Game initiative, led by Irish Sport for Palestine.
Taking to his Instagram story on Thursday to share the letter, McClean offered his perspective on the situation.
He wrote: “You can write every letter, sign a million petitions, protest every day of the week but it will be like pissing into the wind for the sheer fact that there is not a backbone within the FAI.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
“It’s a tough one in fairness for the players and I get it, it’s an opportunity to play a football game for your country, that being said I can’t see too many if any objecting to the game being played anyways, the decision should be taken out of their hands.
“Simply the game should never be going ahead, if there is one country that should recognise oppression and the turmoil that brings then it’s Ireland.. although with the decision makers in this country you’d be mistaken to think we ever had any history of it.
“There’s my thoughts for what it’s worth, have a great day.”
Shamrock Rovers captain and PFAI chair Roberto Lopes was amongst those who put their name to the correspondence sent to the FAI.
“We have to stop the game. As players and fans, our natural instinct is always to get out there and compete, but this is a moment where we need to look at the bigger picture,” he said.
“We can’t ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine; the sheer loss of life there has to take precedence over any sporting consideration.
“Ireland has an opportunity here to lead-to be a pioneer and do what others won’t. We need to be brave enough to say enough is enough. We can’t just stand by. Please, stop the game.”
The letter stated: “To the Football Association of Ireland, Irish fans are rightfully known across the globe as “the best fans in the world”, but with this comes a responsibility to the Irish people whom our country represents. We call upon you to refuse to participate in the two scheduled UEFA nations league games against Israel.
“Firstly, on the basis of the clear and ongoing serious breaches of UEFA and FIFA statute regarding Israeli teams playing on occupied Palestinian lands. As a member of UEFA you have a duty to upload these rules if UEFA will not.
“Secondly, on the basis of a brutal system of apartheid and acts of genocide, both of which are accepted by the Irish government. It is inconceivable that we would be willing to be silent and give cover to such crimes in the name of football.
“We call on you to ensure the Irish football team is not used to mask UEFA rules breaches, apartheid and war crimes. And to respect the call to boycott the game by the majority of players, fans and communities across Ireland.
“Last November, 93% of FAI members voted to instruct the Association to go to UEFA and call for Israel’s suspension under those statutes. We call on you to full respect and represent this mandate.
“Through your leadership and courage we show the world that whilst others may stand idly by, Ireland will not.
“Just as history rightly celebrates the Dunnes Stores workers during South African apartheid, the FAI will be celebrated by future generations of Irish people for doing the right thing when others did not. Yours in sport. Stop the Game.”
The Stop the Game campaign has emphasised: “This campaign is only beginning and we will do everything in our power to ensure Irish football is not used to give cover to apartheid and genocide.”
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