British-Irish trade unionist Mick Lynch called on the Republic of Ireland football squad to boycott their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel, speaking at a packed Siptu event in Dublin on September 25, 2026. The forum, titled ‘Don’t Play Ball with Genocide’, gathered trade unionists, campaigners, and politicians at Liberty Hall to urge players to withdraw from the double-header, with the first match scheduled in Debrecen, Hungary, and the second behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
Mick Lynch and Trade Union Calls for a Boycott
Evoking the legacy of Irish trade unionist James Connolly, Mick Lynch told the audience that players should refuse to take the pitch against Israel. He stated that Connolly would be disgusted by the stance taken by the government and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). Lynch acknowledged the pressure facing the young squad members, saying they are sentient people who can make the right choice.
Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis echoed these sentiments in separate reporting, stating that playing against Israel would be a stain on Irish sporting history. Ennis argued that a six-point deduction is recoverable, whereas a dead child or tens of thousands of dead Palestinians are not. Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin also addressed the Dublin event, stating that his sympathies lie with the players who have been left exposed as pawns in a political controversy.
Did you know?
According to figures cited by opposition politicians, the number of athletes killed by Israeli actions in Gaza has reached 1,014, including players, coaches, referees, and Palestinian Football Association officials.
Differing Views on Player Responsibility and UEFA’s Role
While figures like Ó Ríordáin argued that pressure belongs on UEFA to expel Israel from international competitions rather than on the players, other voices took a harsher stance. Freelance journalist and activist Seán Óg Ó Murchú expressed little sympathy for the squad’s predicament, telling the Liberty Hall crowd that his plea for a boycott would likely fall on deaf ears. Ó Murchú criticized players for throwing their weight around over transfers or managerial changes while hesitating to take a stand on international fixtures.
Meanwhile, Siptu sector organiser Paddy Cole urged the FAI to step up and fulfill its duty of care toward a squad placed in an extremely difficult position. Cole drew a direct parallel to FIFA’s prompt decision to ban Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, questioning why similar action has not been taken regarding the Palestinian territory.
Protests, Activism, and Broader Context
The Liberty Hall panel also featured Dan Lambert, manager of the Irish rap trio Kneecap, alongside activist Mikey Cullen. Cullen, who was detained by Israeli forces in international waters last May while sailing in the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid to Gaza, told attendees that a boycott represents the best way for civil society to peacefully isolate Israel.
Opposition politicians have also pointed to other regional controversies, including the case of 21-year-old Palestinian footballer Natalie Abudayyeh, a journalism student arrested by Israeli authorities in her college dorm in June and held without charge. As the Republic of Ireland team works through internal player meetings and public scrutiny ahead of kickoff, civil society groups continue to press both the government and the FAI for decisive action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who organized the ‘Don’t Play Ball with Genocide’ event in Dublin?
The event was hosted by Siptu at Liberty Hall on Friday, September 25, 2026, featuring speakers such as Mick Lynch, Dan Lambert, and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin.
Where are Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel taking place?
The first match of the double-header takes place on Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, followed by a second fixture a week later behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
What are politicians saying about UEFA’s stance?
Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin argued that UEFA and FIFA have failed to act by not expelling Israel from international competition, putting Irish players in an impossible position.
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