Protesters have called on the Republic of Ireland men’s football squad to refuse to play an upcoming match against Israel, as the first of two planned demonstrations took place outside a Dublin stadium.
The scheduled fixture has generated substantial political commentary and ongoing protest, with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opting out of the initial Nations League match between the two teams as a matter of "principle".
The Republic of Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 on Sunday at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary.
The two sides are due to meet again this Sunday at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia.
While the game was originally intended to be a home match for Ireland, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) moved the fixture to a neutral ground behind closed doors, citing "operational challenges".
Pro-Palestinian campaigners are continuing to push the FAI and team members to abandon the second leg.
Ahead of Ireland’s match against Austria at the Aviva Stadium at 19.45pm on Thursday, campaigners gathered outside to protest against the forthcoming game with Israel.
Dozens of demonstrators assembled from 2pm at a roundabout near Lansdowne Road under the banner of the Stop the Game campaign as supporters headed toward the stadium.
Speaking to the Press Association at the rally, Emma Browne from Dubs for Palestine said: "Palestinian kids have no pitches for playing in, some of them have had their limbs removed."
Ms Browne noted that Israeli fans at the previous game had voiced support for the Israel Defence Forces.
"It shouldn’t have got to this stage but because the FAI didn’t support their players, unfortunately, what it all comes down to, every single one of us personally, is responsibility, ethics and the right moral choice.
"There’s one player who has made the correct moral choice and that’s Gavin Bazunu. We fully support him and stand behind him."
Another protester, Stephen Douglas, said: "Personally I feel this is wrong, they shouldn’t be playing it. What’s happening is terrible and this would show that Irish people are not happy."
Mr Douglas stated that the majority of people in Ireland express solidarity with Palestine, adding: "It is a logical follow-on that we wouldn’t play.
"Playing has put everyone in an uncomfortable position, all the players are uncomfortable – you can tell. I think the FAI are uncomfortable. No one is happy."
Mr Douglas said the FAI should clarify the consequences of refusing to play and explain why players were asked to vote twice regarding their participation in the first game.
He suggested Ireland call Uefa’s "bluff" by boycotting the match, adding: "If Ireland does it, other countries will follow."
Mr Douglas added that he had given away his season ticket and believed the FAI would face long-term damage to its fan support if the fixture goes ahead.
Mick Cuddy, from Dublin, argued that the squad need to "cop themselves on" and stated they were "not representing the people of Ireland.”
“They should be ashamed of themselves."
He described the demonstration as a "last-ditch attempt to get the players to do the right thing".
"OK, they shouldn’t have been put in this position, but they’re in this position now and they still have a choice." He added: "It is up to them to have the courage.
"All we’re asking the players to do is make a gesture and if they do they do they’ll be remembered as heroes.
"If they don’t they’ll be remembered as one of the team who went out and brought shame."
A second protest organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) is scheduled to take place in the surrounding area during the hour leading up to kick-off.
The IPSC stated the demonstration aims to deliver a "clear message to the FAI and the Government that the vast majority of the Irish people disagree" with these "games of shames".
