Mary Lou McDonald slams Robbie Keane for continuing to manage an Israeli team

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has condemned former Ireland striker Robbie Keane for continuing to manage an Israeli soccer team, stating that "sport and genocide shouldn't mix".

The Republic of Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer came under criticism after being appointed Maccabi Tel Aviv manager in June of this year, months before the October 7 Hamas attack.

Robbie Keane fled Israel following the attack, but was mobbed by fans as he returned to Tel Aviv last week after Maccabi topped their Europa Conference League group with a 3-1 victory over Gent.

The match took place in Serbia due to Israeli sides currently not being allowed to play UEFA matches in their home grounds due to the conflict.

Speaking in June, (at the time of being appointed Maccabi manager), Keane said that he didn't want to get into politics, adding: "This is the last time I will say it. I’m here as a football man and someone that loves the game. I will certainly just focus on that."

However, when asked by the Irish Examiner if Keane has made the right decision by continuing to manage the side, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou Mcdonald said that: "No, I don't think he has and I know some people say sport and politics shouldn't mix, but I would say sport and genocide shouldn't mix".

I think sport should be a force for good, for human capacity and human excellence and enjoyment and participation. I have a real problem with sport when it is under the remit of an apartheid regime and where genocide is being committed".

The leader of the opposition compared the Israeli regime to that of the Apartheid Regime in South Africa and said that sportspeople could take example from rugby players who opposed Apartheid South Africa: "I know lots and lots of sportspeople in Ireland and beyond have taken an incredibly firm stand on the Palestinian question, just as lots of sporting people did - and I'm thinking our rugby team, rugby players in particular - in respect of apartheid South Africa.

Continuing Ms McDonald said: "I think leaders have to lead in times like this and I think sporting people, sporting heroes, have such an influence and such a reach. So I would encourage everybody of influence to make the right calls and the right choices".