JOHN DELANEY IS hopeful that next week’s game against England at the Aviva Stadium will run smoothly.
The visit of Roy Hodgson’s side for Sunday week’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland will see an England team play in Dublin for the first time since 15 February, 1995.
On that occasion, the game was abandoned in the first-half due to violence instigated by England fans. Ireland were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to a David Kelly goal.
FAI chief executive John Delaney was asked about the fixture this morning on RTÉ Radio One. He said: “I just hope that after the England game, which is played at 1 o’clock on the 7th of June, that we’re talking about the football and no other events, like the previous time in ’95 when England came and we had difficulties with the riots.
“So please God the game will pass off well. It’s an early kick-off at 1 o’clock. Please God that both anthems will be respected and please God we’ll be speaking about the match and not any other events around the game.”
In relation to the security measures being put in place ahead of the game, Delaney said: “We’ve been working very closely with An Garda Síochána and the English FA in that regard. There’s 3,000 English supporters coming to the match, it’s an early kick-off. We’re on alert. Obviously we have to be on alert because there’s a certain element of risk attached to the game.”
Everyone loves The Rossies. Some are just reluctant to admit it.
@SYM-Metal: dirty skum like paul scanlon
Was great to see them win the Connacht title. Some of the criticism they got was way out of order
@John Boyle: eh…no…it was enjoyable seeing mayo hockey them in croke park. Only pity was it wasnt more.
@Justin Flynn: While others would have enjoyed Mayo lose yet another all Ireland final.
@Sam Walsh: really? Is rosscommon now part of dublin?? After what the abuse the Ross supporters gave Andy Moran in the drawn match it was justice prevailing in the replay!!
@Justin Flynn: At what point in my comment did I claim Roscommon was part of Dublin? I suggest you re-read my comment or at least try and make sense of it. And please Mayo supporters are hardly angels themselves, that sort of thing goes on in every game, Mayo fans included!!
@Justin Flynn: Mayo had a secret weapon
A Roscommon forward playing against Roscommon
It completely confused their defenders
@Sam Walsh: who says im a mayo supporter??
@Justin Flynn: Where did i suggest you were?
@Justin Flynn: but no one mentions the abuse mayo gave dean rock in the final??
Kevin McStay…. no thanks
gaillimh abu