WORLD FOOTBALL’S GOVERNING body, Fifa, has charged the Republic of Ireland with wearing a political symbol during a friendly with Switzerland in March.
Ireland wore the special jersey to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising but the kit was brought back to public attention this week when British MP Damian Collins cited them as an example of supposed double standards by Fifa.
England and Scotland have been in negotiations with Fifa over whether they can wear poppies on black armbands when they play each other in a World Cup qualifier on November 11, which is Armistice Day, the traditional day for Britons to pay tribute to their war dead.
Fifa has rejected their request saying it is a political symbol.
A Fifa spokesperson said earlier yesterday that the organisation was “evaluating the matter” but today formally opened disciplinary proceedings against the FAI.
The FAI has been contacted for comment.
Wow. Great article. Well done sir.
Couldn’t agree with you more Paul. Bale was subject of a bidding war between Spurs and Arsenal at the time. He was doing great with Southampton in the championship so soon after the departure of Walcott and at 17 years old was the standout player for the Saints. He even scored in the North London Derby soon after signing.
However football loves Hyperbole and Exaggeration so tries to remember Bale in this zero-hero sort of light, which is rubbish quite frankly!
I told Paul it was a good article before it was trendy.
Good stuff Paul.