'A decision of principle': Offaly pub won't show Ireland vs Israel in support of Palestine
The Ramblers Rest in Killyon, Birr say they will not show either of Ireland’s games with Isreal in their pub
An Offaly pub has decided to boycott the Irish soccer team’s upcoming international games against Isreal in support of Palestine amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Ireland are set to play Israel twice during an extended International break over the next few weeks as part of their UEFA Nations League campaign.
The Ramblers Rest pub in Killyon, Birr posted a statement on their Facebook page detailing their reasons behind their stance of not showing either match with Israel in their establishment.
The post states: “At The Ramblers Rest, we are always proud to show Irish sport and to support live music. We believe a pub should be a place where people can come together, enjoy themselves and share in the things that bring us together. However, on this occasion, we have decided not to show Ireland’s games against Israel.”
It continued: “As Irish people, we have a long history of standing with people whose rights to freedom, self-determination and dignity are denied. Ireland has formally recognised the State of Palestine and has taken legal and diplomatic steps concerning the situation in Gaza.”
“For us, continuing to treat these fixtures as simply another night of football, while Palestinians continue to endure an immense humanitarian crisis, would not sit comfortably with our conscience. This is a decision of principle.”
The Ramblers Rest concluded their statement by saying: “We respect everyone’s right to their own views, but we have made our decision as a business and as a pub in our community. The Ramblers Rest will continue to support Irish sport, live music and our customers — but we will not be showing Ireland v Israel at any stage. We stand with the people of Palestine.”
Ireland’s matches with Israel in Group B3 are being played in neutral venues as calls intensify for the Boys in Green to boycott the games.
The first match will take place on Sunday, September 27 at Nagyerdei stadion in Hungary before the two sides meet again on Wednesday, October 4 at the TSC Arena in Serbia.