Séamus Coleman: Players shouldn't have to answer for Israel conflict; FAI stands by fixtures

Republic of Ireland captain Séamus Coleman voiced his strong displeasure that the national team's players are being put in the position of answering difficult questions about the Israel-Palestine conflict. He believes such sensitive issues should be addressed by governing bodies, not by athletes.

“

I didn’t need to answer questions on Israel. Just hear Séamus.

Coleman's comments came after a press conference previewing a friendly match against Qatar was dominated by inquiries about the upcoming Nations League game against Israel. Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson echoed Coleman's sentiment, expressing his own bewilderment at the differing sanctions applied to Russia for its invasion of Ukraine compared to Israel's actions.

“

My views are very clear on the fact that Nathan [Collins], the younger players and the manager, that this should not have landed on our toes to answer questions about this. It should have been dealt with above us.

While Coleman stopped short of calling for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to refuse to play the scheduled fixtures against Israel, he made his feelings clear. "My views are very clear on the fact that Nathan [Collins], the younger players and the manager, that this should not have landed on our toes to answer questions about this. It should have been dealt with above us," Coleman stated. He added, "I am a dad, I am a husband, I’ve got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong."

“

I am a dad, I am a husband, I’ve got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong. If I was to ask you the same question, it would be the same opinion, yeah?

The FAI has indicated that they are following the Irish Government's lead on the matter. FAI chief executive David Courell previously stated that the association would adhere to any sanctions imposed by the state. As of now, no such sanctions are in place, and the FAI maintains that the fixtures will be fulfilled. Coleman, however, feels that the FAI or UEFA should take more action to prevent media sessions from being consistently overshadowed by this issue, emphasizing the human aspect and the discomfort it causes the players.

“

It is awful what is happening, it is extremely sad, but I don’t think we should be in this very difficult position. Absolutely not. It is very uncomfortable.