THE Republic of Ireland players should never have been pushed into the eye of a political storm by being forced to ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and take the field to play Israel in the Nations League, says Seamus Coleman.
Since Israel’s invasion of Gaza began it is estimated that 90 per cent of the 2.3 million population has been displaced and the conflict and crisis that is choking Palestine will loom large when Ireland meet Israel in September and October.
Uefa has refused to place sporting sanctions on Israel and so boycotting the fixtures would lead to disciplinary measures be taking against Ireland including a possible disqualification from the competition.
Ireland skipper Nathan Collins said players can’t be stopped from taking a stand on the issue and Coleman says the squad and management shouldn’t have been placed in such an invidious position.
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“It should not have landed on our toes to answer questions about this,” said the Donegal native.
“It should have been dealt with above us.
“I’m a dad, I’m a husband, I’ve got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong.
“If I was to ask you the same question, I’m sure it would be the same opinion of what’s happening (in Gaza). It is awful what is happening, it is extremely sad and it’s a very difficult position for the players to be in.
“I don’t think we should be in this position, absolutely not. But of course we’ve got to answer on it and it’s very uncomfortable.”
Last year the Football Association of Ireland approved a motion to call on Uefa to ban Israel from international competition but sanctions did not materialised.
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson wants veteran defender Seamus Coleman (pictured) to continue playing international football
Republic of Ireland full-back Seamus Coleman(Niall Carson/PA)
“I feel like it should not have landed on 22, 23, 24-year-old lads that are here to play for their country,” said Coleman.
“We represent our people, the people of Ireland and we’ve got to take that into account, what their opinion is on it all as well.
“It is not straightforward either. That is the human side, which is so so important.
“It should not be on our toes. There is the football side, the sanctions and everything that comes with it. It is very difficult for us players, the manager and all the staff that we are dealing with this.
“You know our feelings as human beings.”
Israel has denied committing war crimes in Gaza and has said its actions are justified as a means of self-defence after the terrorist attacks on its people in October 2023.
At this point it looks certain that the games will go ahead despite widespread public objection. From a footballing perspective, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says his players should not be viewed as “the bad guys”.
“We are not the bad guys here,” he said.
“We just want to perform, we want to play and the players would like to perform for the country and do well.
“I think the best answer for us is just to win this game, to win this war against them. That would be a perfect answer from my end. Other decisions are not made by us, but all the players would like to represent the country and do well for them, no matter who is the opponent.”
Israel are due to play in Dublin on October 4 and there are certain to be protests at the game. Moving it to a neutral venue will penalise Ireland, said their manager.
“We’ve done really well at home,” he added.
“To move it, obviously, will lower our chances. So I hope people can rally around the players and us playing instead of protesting or doing something that’s damaging.”