20.04.2026 21:28
Reactions are growing against the planned Ireland-Israel match in the UEFA Nations League amid the ongoing destruction in Gaza. Artists and fans have called for a boycott, saying "do not be complicit in genocide."
Reactions are growing regarding the match planned to be played on October 4 in the capital Dublin between Ireland and Israel in the UEFA Nations League.
CALL FOR BOYCOTT FROM IRISH FANS
Irish fan groups argue that Ireland should not take the field due to Israel's genocide in Gaza, calling for a boycott of the match. The "StopTheGame" campaign initiated by fans to prevent the match from being played has also received support from world-famous music groups and artists.
SUPPORT FROM FAMOUS MUSIC GROUPS AND ARTISTS
A large number of artists, including music groups Kneecap, The Mary Wallopers, Fontaines D.C., and famous DJ and writer Annie Mac, announced their support for the campaign. Artists participating in the campaign with the hashtag "StopTheGame" shared a video featuring clips from football matches and the genocide in Gaza. The video stated, "In the last 30 months, Israel has killed 565 Palestinian footballers in Gaza. Playing with Israel is supporting genocide."
''SEPARATING FOOTBALL AND POLITICS IS NONSENSE''
Brian Kerr, who served as the head coach of the Irish National Team from 2003 to 2005, reacted to Prime Minister Micheal Martin's statement that football and politics should be separated. Kerr commented on Prime Minister Martin's thoughts on the match being played, saying, "Separating football and politics is nonsense. This is an opportunity for the Irish Federation to take a stand on behalf of the Palestinian people."