Seamus Coleman.
FORMER Ireland soccer captain Seamus Coleman vowed he knows “the difference between right and wrong” when he was drawn into the controversy of playing against Israel.
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.
Ex-skipper Seamus, from Killybegs, and Donegal’s Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue TD, from Gleneely in Inishowen, have spoken on the controversy in recent days.
The conflict in Gaza followed an attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023, and has since resulted in the deaths of an estimated 73,000 victims and injured another 172,411 Palestinian wounded, according to international figures.
Coleman said: “It is awful what is happening.”
His and Minister McConalogue’s contributions to the national conversation about the match follow the launch of a campaign by the Irish Sport For Palestine called Stop The Game.
The campaign has been launched to garner momentum towards Ireland refusing to play, with organisers claiming that Israel’s participation in tournament soccer is a “clear and ongoing serious breaches of UEFA and FIFA statutes”.
Minister McConalogue was asked in an Oireachtas committee meeting about the controversial fixture and he confirmed that he will not attend the upcoming match in Dublin.
Minister Charlie McConalogue.
Ex-Sligo Rovers player Seamus, who retired from playing for English Premier League club Everton last month, described the political scenario as a “very difficult position” for the team.
The former Ireland captain was speaking before Thursday night’s friendly in Dublin against Qatar.
He said: “My views are very clear on the fact that Nathan [Collins] and the younger players, Ireland, the fans, the manager, it should not have landed on our toes to answer questions about this.
“It should have been dealt with above us.”
He added: “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, I’m sure it would be the same opinion. It is awful what is happening.
“It is extremely sad and 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 have got to answer on it. It is very uncomfortable.”
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