IRELAND players like Donegal soccer Seamus Coleman should not have to play against Israel because of the conflict in Gaza, it is claimed.
Donegal TD Charles Ward accused the FAI of failing players like Killybegs man Seamus – who spoke out against conflict last month.
Deputy Ward told the Donegal News: “The game should not played, it should not take place. The people of Donegal people do not want it to go ahead.”
The conflict in Gaza followed an attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, and has since resulted in Israel killing an estimated 73,000 Palestinians and injuring another 172,411 people, according to international figures.
European football body UEFA wants Ireland to play Israel on September 27 and then to host the Israelis in Dublin on October 4 as part of the latest Nations League campaign.
Deputy Ward said: “This is about six points. Is it worth it? Innocent lives are being lost. That is more important.
“The Government has been a disgrace in their handling of this. The public want to see their politicians giving a damn.
“History will look at this Government at being complicit at this genocide.”
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced that the game could be played abroad.
Supporters of the Stop The Game campaign, which wants the match abandoned, are against the move.
Last night, deputy Ward said: “The idea of playing abroad is sportswashing. A genocide is happening.
“People in Donegal are really upset and not happy that our Donegal man Seamus Coleman had to defend the players.
“He spoke really well – but the game should not go ahead. The players do not want to play this match.”
Seamus Coleman.
Ex-Ireland skipper Seamus, who retired from club football in April but did not hang up his international boots, said last month: “It is awful what is happening.”
He added: He added: “I am a dad, I am a husband. I’ve got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong.”