Ireland vs Israel - To play or not to play, that is the question Read OP for Mod Warning

The thread is about the principle of whether Ireland should play Israel in a soccer game. I think it's fair game that the discussion includes examples of the behaviour of the participants. And yes, that most certainly includes murdering children and innocent civilians in the most brutal ways.

Stifling that aspect of the debate would seem be an indicator either of tacit support for such depravity, a "discomfort" felt for the position held or simply just waving it away and turning a blind eye through any lack of compassion.

It's interesting that the FAI do not want to get involved, and I can see their point. But that's not what interests me - the Ireland manager is on the record as stating he would support any and all players excusing themselves from the game - the FAI have not censured him.

That all said, unless FIFA ban Israel, a decision needs to be made - can the FAI accept the punishment or should they accede and let the game go ahead thus avoiding any negative consequences (other than the possibility of Israeli fans singing their disgusting racist chants and displaying their usual thuggery).

What would your position be if Russia had not been banned and Ireland were drawn to play them? Would you still be saying "it's not about dead children"?

Explain why you think it's not about religion.

Are you an FAI employee who is likely to lose their job if we refuse to play the games?

Would you be happy to lose your job for no reason?

If not why do you think other people should possibly lose their jobs for the crime of being an employee of the FAI?

You thought Ireland had to qualify for the nations league.

You have no idea or interest in Irish football.

Ireland playing or refusing to play is not going to save any children.

If you have concrete evidence saying otherwise please post it for me to review.

Yes, I do understand the topic of the thread - the title kinda gives it away - but I disagree that it is specifically about the FAI.

I am most certainly not "glad" that Ireland is playing Israel. It is disappointing that FIFA and UEFA have not banned Israel - but then they've also given a peace prize to a madman who just today threatened genocide on 90 million people. It is they who are the disgrace. Not the Ireland team, not the FAI and not Ireland fans.

And yes of course, the FAI have a duty to their employees so we are in agreement there. But "protesting" certainly does do something for the Palestinians. It shows at least solidarity - as many have done over the years. And don't forget, Palestine also plays football. Don't they deserve support?

The FAI are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Should the game go ahead, Irish fans should respectfully vent their anger at Israel's behaviour - if any of their fans are allowed attend of course.

Currently, there appears to be nothing positive should Ireland refuse to play. If some other nations offered to support the FAI that would be a start in pressuring FIFA to do the right thing and give Israel the red card for war crimes and Genocide.

Until then, the game is going ahead. I've mixed feelings about that but I'm not an FAI employee and as others have rightly argued, I don't think I have the right to deprive them in any way because of my views.

What is the stance going to achieve.

Here is a list of what I can confirm will be achieved.

We will be banned from international football.

Israel will be gifted 6 points making the group easier for them.

Massive job losses for the FAI.

The league of Ireland will be ruined.

The pathway to professional football will be hampered for young kids.

You fill in the rest of guaranteed outcomes and we can weigh up the pros and cons.

I don't want more talk of dead children and virtue signalling.

I want a list of guaranteed outcomes to justify your position.

That is what this thread is for.

Fair enough and we are more in agreement than not.

In an ideal world they would be banned and we wouldn't have to play.

The best we can do is peacefully protest and beat them on the pitch.

I believe we have already stated to Uefa that they should be banned, but UEFA or no other country have talked about taking action.

It has teams in stolen land in the West Bank and the Israeli team has and had IDF members. It has a role in Gaza and represents the Israeli state that has committed genocide.

It would highlight their actions that are still ongoing. More children murdered in Gaza today.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0406/1566927-israel-gaza-strike/

Good God. So calling out genocide is not important now. Really??