'Stop the Game' banner raised in Dublin
‘Stop the Game’: Irish protesters demand boycott of ‘Israeli’ match
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Ireland’s largest union has urged the national team to boycott matches against ‘Israel’.
- A ‘Stop the Game’ banner was raised at Dublin’s Liberty Hall.
Ireland’s largest union, SIPTU, has raised a “Stop the Game” banner at Dublin’s Liberty Hall, urging the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the national team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against ‘Israel’.
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Speaking at the launch, SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis criticized both the FAI and the Irish government for placing national team players in what he described as an "invidious position," urging the squad to refuse to take the pitch.
“There are much more important things in life than six points from two UEFA Nations League matches against Israel,” Ennis stated, pointing directly to the ongoing assault on Gaza carried out by the 'Israeli' military.
“The IDF is responsible for the deliberate targeting and killing of children. The Israeli football team is made up of veteran and reservist IDF soldiers. The Israeli government is responsible for the deaths of at least 74,000 Palestinians, 21,000 of whom were children.”
Ennis emphasized that competing against the 'Israeli' team facilitates the sportswashing of severe crimes against humanity. “Football in Ireland will still go on if our team refuses to take to the field... I believe the Irish players have a conscience, will not find themselves on the wrong side of history, and won’t play ball with genocide.”
Read more: ‘Israeli’ in Athens expelled from event after revealing identity
Irish solidarity with Palestine
Ireland has consistently stood out as one of the most vocal advocates for Palestinian human rights in Europe.
Irish civil society, trade unions, student organizations, and political parties have routinely led grassroots initiatives to hold the Israeli Occupation accountable, ranging from the early passage of local boycott resolutions to official state recognition of the Palestinian state in 2024.
