FAI decision to move Ireland-Israel match 'cowardly' - SF

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has branded the Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) decision to relocate the upcoming men's international football match between Ireland and Israel to a neutral venue as "cowardly." McDonald asserted that the game transcends sport, emphasizing the need to confront Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

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it was never about the location of the game

Speaking outside Leinster House, McDonald stated, "It's not simply a football match, it's about confronting, facing down, and making clear to Netanyahu and his regime that he cannot slaughter, he cannot slaughter wholesale the entire Palestinian population, and expect the world to watch on and not take action against him." She described the situation as a "genocide" where "tens of thousands of people have lost their lives, including footballers." McDonald insisted that Israel must be confronted and can no longer act with impunity, demanding that humanity requires Ireland to stand against "barbarity, those breaches of international law, the wholesale slaughter of children, of women, of men."

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I think it's unconscionable that this game would go ahead and the campaign will continue

McDonald further questioned the FAI's decision, drawing a parallel with Russia's exclusion from sporting events due to its actions. "Why would there be an exception made for Israel? That's the question. I haven't heard the FAI answer that one," she stated. She also urged RTÉ, funded by taxpayers, not to broadcast the match. Her colleague, Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan, echoed the disappointment, calling the decision "worse" than simply moving the game and denying protestors the right to voice their concerns at the match venue.

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It's not simply a football match, it's about confronting, facing down, and making clear to Netanyahu and his regime that he cannot slaughter, he cannot slaughter wholesale the entire Palestinian population, and expect the world to watch on and not take action against him

Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan indicated that the Government supports the FAI's decision, though the specifics of that support were not detailed. McDonald added that Ireland's reputation for "decency" and "fair play" would be tarnished by playing against Israel, which she referred to as "genocidal Israel's football team." She stressed the importance of Ireland taking a "stand against Israel" and "against genocide for humanity."

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a genocide is occurring