Fans reject calls to boycott Israel match
Soccer supporters came out in force today to distance themselves from calls for a boycott of Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Israel.
Human rights activists used the friendly tie with Portugal at Lansdowne Road last night to demand fans stay away from next month’s game in Tel Aviv.
Alan Hunter, Irish Football Supporters Association chief, said the organisation had never been afraid to stand up for justice and what was right.
But he said fans should welcome moves made by Israel and Palestine to resolve their dispute rather than follow a boycott.
“If anything, as we know from our own peace process, it is to welcome any initiative and not to try to disrupt the process,” he said.
“There is no particular need if the fans believe there is a need then they will address it.”
Campaigners set up camp around Lansdowne Road yesterday ahead of the friendly tie with Portugal lobbying football fans to stay away from the trip to Tel Aviv on March 26.
Activists passed out leaflets to thousands of supporters calling for a boycott. Mr Hunter said he had been flooded with calls to the association on the issue.
John Gormley, Green Party TD, called for the Irish players and supporters to boycott the Tel Aviv game last week. However, Brian Kerr, team manager, robustly refuted the suggestion as a load of rubbish.
Mr Hunter said campaigners only had to look back a few years to see the steps supporters would be willing to take when needed. Fans planned a complete boycott of Ireland versus Yugoslavia at Lansdowne Road in June 1999 unless the Government or UEFA stepped in to cancel the game.
He said the situation in Israel was not of the same proportion.
“I don’t think the fans are prepared to walk away, even from today they are making arrangements to head off,” he said.
“I don’t think fans are going to walk away. It’s not a good idea to bring the political to the football field at all – unless it’s a major situation. As far as Yugoslavia was concerned we just could not have this match in Lansdowne Road.
“We would only address the facts if there is a grave issue to be addressed.”
