Politics in Rugby

Maguined

Ian Madigan posted up a picture on his Facebook about his 1916 rising boots he worse during the game against Ospreys.

A fitting first outing for these boots winning 19-16. Remembering those who died in the Easter Rising 🇮🇪

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/10580198_1240555685972196_5806820385207518765_n.jpg?oh=0f6d72b808b603b980090837b28b4e94&oe=575AD433

This has sparked quite a debate on various rugby pages on Facebook. Some feel it is in poor taste to bring politics into sport as the team represents all of Ireland so it could be offensive to some Ulster fans while others believe it is just a commenration of Irish history.

While technically he wore them for a Leinster game would people feel this would be a genuine issue if he worse them while playing for the Ireland team? I personally do not see a problem with them as it was a significant part of Irish history both north and south but that could easily be my own bias.

Should the IRFU request the players leave such politics out of the game for the benefit of cohesion? Should it be a decision for the individual players to make?

errlloyd

I'm not going to get too worked up or upset over it. But I probably wouldn't do it. I probably wouldn't want too many players doing it either. That tribute is harmless

(other than the colour which is ****ing brutal)

El_Duderino 09

Maguined wrote:

This has sparked quite a debate on various rugby pages on Facebook. Some feel it is in poor taste to bring politics into sport as the team represents all of Ireland so it could be offensive to some Ulster fans while others believe it is just a commenration of Irish history.

It's fair enough as long as everyone is ok with wearing orange boots to remember those who died in the battle of the boyne. What about more recent history? Boots to remember Bobby Sands or that Stone fella.

If it's kept high level, topical and remembers everyone on both sides, it's probably fine. If it's making a specific political statement, then it's just using their public profile to be political, which I wouldn't support

Zzippy

As per the forum charter, politics and religion are forbidden subjects. Ian Madigan can do what he likes but you can discuss it elsewhere.