Former Republic of Ireland striker Richard Sadlier has made an emotional plea for his country to boycott Nations League clashes with Israel over what he described as a “genocidal campaign.”
Sadlier, a former Millwall man, spoke passionately on RTE Sport following Ireland’s 1-0 victory in Dublin against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium.
His comments came as fierce backlash continues over a scheduled double header against Israel, with pressure mounting on the Football Association of Ireland to pull out of the games.
Several pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football figures have urged the federation to withdraw from the fixtures over Israel’s conduct during the war on Gaza.
The FAI passed a motion in November requesting that UEFA immediately suspend Israel from international competition, but received no support from European football’s governing body.
The FAI confirmed the games, away in September and at home in October, will go ahead, with chief executive David Courell saying the governing body had “no choice” and could face “serious consequences” if it withdrew.
Tennis balls covered with images of the Palestinian flag were thrown onto the field of play after 10 and 20 minutes of Thursday’s match at the Aviva Stadium, causing play to be halted twice.
Sadlier backed the protesters’ right to demonstrate, saying: “Protests, whatever they are about for or against, are genuinely done to be disruptive so I can fully understand why people would have seen this as an appropriate target, an appropriate venue, with the eyes of the footballing public on this game.”
He spoke with visible emotion about the broader context, adding: “I find this conversation difficult because we are a football programme, football people, and we’re talking about a football match. But it’s in the wider context of the worst crimes imaginable being carried out by a nation in full view of the world, approaching two and a half years.”
Sadlier painted a vivid picture of what the upcoming fixture could look like, stating: “The Israeli flag will hang on that pole there. The Israeli anthem will be played on the speaker, and Israeli fans potentially waving flags in those seats, the dignitaries.”
He argued that cancelling the fixture would be an act of respect to all involved, saying: “I think cancelling this fixture, boycotting it, would be an act of respect to the players, managers, supporters, media that they’re not all put through the situation where they have to show up.”
Sadlier was careful to frame his comments as personal opinion, noting: “I’m not here to tell anyone their view is wrong. I’m here to express my view.”
He added that he would “fully behind people who take action which is required,” reinforcing his strong personal stance on the issue.
Hibernian star Jamie McGrath, who featured in the game against Qatar, was also asked whether there is confidence within the squad about a resolution to the situation.
McGrath said: “To be honest, I’ve no idea. We obviously touched on it a few days. I’m sure as it heats up it might be taken out of our hands, I’m not sure.”
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