Seamus Coleman on Israel-Nations League Debate
Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman has stated that the discussion regarding whether the Republic of Ireland should compete against Israel in the upcoming Nations League should be managed by officials rather than the players.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's team, who are set to host Qatar in a friendly match in Dublin on Thursday at 19:45 BST, are scheduled to face Israel in Group B3 of the Nations League at a likely neutral venue on 27 September, followed by the return match in Dublin on 4 October.
There has been increasing pressure in Ireland advocating for a boycott of these games due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign organized a protest at the Dáil (Irish parliament) on Tuesday to express this stance.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the matches will proceed as planned. CEO David Courell explained that the governing body had "no choice" and could encounter "serious consequences" if it decided to withdraw from the fixtures.
Earlier in the week, Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins remarked that if individual players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, "we are not going to stand against them," while manager Hallgrimsson described it as "unfair for the players to be in this position." Coleman, aged 37, supported his manager's viewpoint:
"My views are very clear on the fact that Nathan and the younger players, and 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. I am a dad, I am a husband, I've got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong.
I mean if I ask you the same question, I'm sure you're all of the same opinion of what's happening. It's awful, 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. It is very uncomfortable."
'You know our feelings as human beings'
Irish Sport For Palestine has launched a 'Stop The Game' campaign, citing what it describes as "clear and ongoing serious breaches of UEFA and FIFA statutes regarding Israeli teams playing on occupied Palestinian lands" and "a brutal system of apartheid and genocide, both of which are accepted by the Irish government."
Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide or war crimes and maintains that its actions in Gaza are justified as self-defence.
The conflict in Gaza escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 72,500 people have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry.
As the autumn fixtures approach, calls for a boycott are expected to intensify. Coleman believes that the scheduling of these games should be addressed by "the FAI, UEFA, whatever it is." He emphasized:
"I feel like it should not have landed on 22, 23, 24-year-old lads that are here to play for their country. It shouldn't have landed on them," Coleman continued.
"We represent our people, the people of Ireland, so we've got to take that into account of what their opinion is on it as well.
It's not straightforward either. That's the human side, that's so, so important.
Like everyone in here, like the manager talked on, it should not have been on our toes. Then there is the football side, and the sanctions and everything that comes with it. It is very difficult for us players, difficult for the manager, and all the staff that we are dealing with this. But of course, you know our feelings as human beings."
