Sport ministers will not attend Ireland v Israel fixture – "Well now, this is confusing," responds IPSC

Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan and junior minister for Sport Charlie McConalogue have said they will not be attending the upcoming Republic of Ireland v Israel game in Dublin.

The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in the UEFA Nations League at the Aviva Stadium on October 4, a week after their fixture at a neutral venue on September 27.

Both ministers were asked about the government's response to the fixture at an Oireachtas meeting.

Earlier, Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney questioned them on whether the Government had spoken to the FAI about covering any financial cost they might face, should Ireland withdraw from the games. "Playing the matches was a matter for the FAI to decide," said McConalogue.

"There'd be significant repercussions for them within the UEFA system," he added. "Which is for them to consider, and they've made their call, and we support their decision".

The IPSC (Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign) shared their confusion about the ministers' actions.

"Well, now, this is confusing," they said.

"Neither Minister Patrick O'Donovan nor junior minister for sport Charlie McConalogue will attend the Ireland V Israel match in October. So if our government ministers won't go, why do they think the games should go ahead? The FAI should refuse to play the Nations League fixtures against apartheid Israel, and the government should support them."

"Palestinians are being mass murdered this minute, and we cannot allow the state committing genocide against them to sportwash its crimes."

Sportswashing is the practice of using high-profile sports, teams, or events to improve an organisation's or government's image.

"I don't believe it's sportswashing - I believe it's a matter for the footballing bodies to make their decision on," said McConalogue. "We, as a government, make a decision that we've led out and continue to lead out in relation to setting the tone internationally in relation to the recent Israeli actions in Palestine and will continue to do so."

"It should have been dealt with above us - FAI, UEFA, whatever it is," said Séamus Coleman.

"I feel like it should not have landed on 22/23/24-year-old lads that are here to play for their country. I am a dad, I am a husband, I've got a heart, I know the difference between right and wrong."

"It's awful what is happening, it is extremely sad and a very difficult position for the players to be in. It is very uncomfortable. We represent our country, the people of Ireland, and we've got to take that into account, what their opinion on it is as well."

Following a motion from the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland, Irish Football Supporters Partnership, Cork City FC and Bohemians FC, the FAI may be forced into an extraordinary general meeting over its decision to fulfil the fixtures.

The motion calls for refusal to play Israel on legal and moral grounds, and could trigger an EGM if 10% of members back it. Delegates are asked to respond by tomorrow evening.