Mr Patrick O’Donovan, said those involved in the upcoming Ireland v Israel match “need to be left alone”
The Minister of Culture, Communications, and Sport labelled Sinn Fein's comments about the upcoming Israel v Ireland watch as "disgusting".
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have just announced today that the upcoming football match between Ireland and Israel will be played outside of Ireland in a neutral venue, and that fans would not be allowed to attend.
This comes as the ‘Stop the Game’ campaign called for the game to be boycotted.
Mr Patrick O’Donovan, said those involved in the upcoming Ireland v Israel match “need to be left alone” and that Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s comments were “disgusting”.
Ms McDonald had said the decision to host the match in a neutral venue was a “cowardly decision”.
Speaking on The Hard Shoulder about the controversy linked to the upcoming match, Mr O’Donovan said they didn’t need a “pile on online or anywhere else.”
“Considering that these are ordinary men and women who are doing a job in a rules based system laid down by UEFA.
“They don't have the discretion to opt in or opt out of certain rules. If they opted out, Ireland would be the biggest loser.
“They've laid it out very clearly that the other country would be the biggest winner.”
He added that because the FAI is the international organisation that is charged under UEFA and FIFA with carrying out the rules of UEFA and FIFA, “they don't have discretion because those rules are agreed internationally.”
Ireland has previously voiced its recognition and support for the State of Palestine.
Mr O’Donovan cited its increased funding for UNRWA and the Occupied Territories Bill as examples of Palestinian solidarity.
“The politicians at the moment who have made a substantial amount of airtime over this in the last week, none of them have recognised the fact that there's a rule-based system laid down here that the FAI are a party to and that they have to comply with.”
The sanctions, the minister said, were quite onerous and severe if Ireland does not comply.
Main Image: Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Patrick O'Donovan.
