Ireland should not play against Israel - Daniel Ennis TD

Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis has called for Ireland's senior football team to refuse to play against Israel in their upcoming Nations League fixtures. His statement comes as a protest against the Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) decision to proceed with the matches scheduled for September and October.

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Football and sport is a universal language built on respect and how can you stand shoulder to shoulder right up against a genocidal regime

Arriving at Leinster House for his first day as a new deputy, Ennis, a former professional League of Ireland footballer, stated that Ireland should not compete against Israel. He believes the FAI and the Irish Government should take a stand against what he described as a "genocidal regime."

"Football and sport is a universal language built on respect and how can you stand shoulder to shoulder right up against a genocidal regime," Ennis said. He acknowledged the pride players feel in representing their country but stressed that the FAI, as the sporting governing body, should intervene, with government support.

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It's a tough one on the players. My friends are former internationals, and it's a very, very proud achievement, a moment to play, be selected by your country, but your governing body, your sporting governing body, should be stepping in, and in that case, that's the FAI, and that should be supported by the Government.

The FAI previously stated in February that it had "no choice" but to fulfill its Nations League fixtures with Israel. The association confirmed that the home tie, originally scheduled for October 4, would be played in Dublin. Ennis also encouraged fans to boycott the match.

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no choice