Sir, – Sport and politics are inseparable – however much governing bodies try to present them as distinct.
The Football Association of Ireland 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 October 4th.
Ireland will also play Israel a week earlier, on September 27th. This has received far less attention.
The September 27th fixture is an away match for Ireland, but it has likewise been moved to a neutral venue. Nagyerdei Stadion Debrecen, Hungary will be the venue for that fixture.
RM Block
Relocating both fixtures to neutral venues may avoid forfeited points and potential sanctions, but agreeing to play them at all risks normalising a situation Ireland has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned. If Ireland believes Israel’s conduct warrants sustained condemnation, then its actions should reflect that position.
The underlying contradiction is not resolved by a neutral venue and closed doors. The setting has merely been changed while the principle has been left 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,
EILEEN SEERY,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.
