Ireland will be “complicit” if it plays against Israel in the Ireland's Nations League this summer, a former Bohemians manager has argued.
The boys in green are due to play the country later this year, as well as Austria and Kosovo.
The announcement of the fixture between Ireland and Israel caused consternation among pro-Palestinian activists, who believe a country accused of war crimes should not be allowed to play.
Following calls for a boycott, the FAI issued a statement that said the Republic of Ireland would “fulfil their 2026 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel after being drawn together in Group B3”.
However, they also noted that they had previously called for Israel’s suspension from UEFA in 2025.
If Ireland decline to play Israel, the team will forfeit the match.
On The Claire Byrne Show, former Bohs manager Roddy Collins said if the FAI will not take a stand against Israel, players should individually decline to play.
“There's too many snowflakes now that are afraid to feel uncomfortable,” he said.
“Stand up, what's the cost?
“If the manager stands up and says, ‘I'm not doing it, so be it.’ If a player stands up and says, ‘I'm not doing’ - and he loses career, so be it.
“That's life; life is uncomfortable, truth hurts.”
Benjamin Netanyahu. Picture by: Alamy.com.Mr Collins added that he does not believe a sporting boycott of Israel would change things for Palestinians.
However, he believes strongly that it would send a moral message to the world that the conduct of the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza is not acceptable.
“If we don't participate, will it change what's happening in Gaza?” he asked.
“No, it won't - but will it change what's happening in our society?
“Of course, people on the right side of history, people down the road will see it.”
M Collins added that a boycott might be uncomfortable for some, but that it was morally necessary.
“We need to stop,” he said.
“We need to stop being complicit, we need to stop sweeping things over because it doesn't serve us.
“The world has just gone soft, in my opinion.”
Israel has always denied that its actions in Israel constitute genocide, arguing it acts out of self-defence.
Main image: A split of Ireland players and the Israeli flag. Pictures by: Alamy.com.
