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Varadkar confident of 2030 bid despite ticketless louts storming Wembley

The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says he remains fully behind a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. ...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

18.22 12 Jul 2021


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Varadkar confident of 2030 bid...

Varadkar confident of 2030 bid despite ticketless louts storming Wembley

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

18.22 12 Jul 2021


Share this article


The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says he remains fully behind a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. 

Earlier this year, it was confirmed a feasibility study was being undertaken for a combined bid to stage football's biggest international tournament alongside England, Scotland and Wales.

However, Sunday night's scenes at Wembley Stadium have cast doubt over the viability of the bid.

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Hundreds of ticketless people stormed the Wembley perimeter, with many managing to make their way inside for the game.

The Metropolitan Police say 19 officers were injured and 49 arrests were made during their operation around the final.

Many have claimed that the policing effort around the final was substandard.

Asked on Monday if those scenes have seen the government reconsider the 2030 bid, Varadkar said, "I don’t think so, no."

He added, "It’s a minority and I don’t think we should ever try to tar a whole nation or a whole set of fans or support, just based on the behaviour of what I believe was a minority.”

Varadkar also voiced his disgust at the heinous racist abuse suffered by England players following their penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy.

"Certainly I would say to anyone who’s engaging in any form of abuse online, that’s really unacceptable," the Tánaiste said.

“I’d be saying to the tech companies that they have a responsibility not to promote and to take down anything of a racist nature in that regard.

“I haven’t contacted them yet about it, but it’s the kind of message I would happily make public here.”

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