Eligibility Rules, Okay

[Charlie Darwin]

Was that fans or an official club tweet? When Derry are representing the League of Ireland against a team from another league, the tricolour has often appeared at away games, although I'm not denying that there might have been another or added motive for waving the tricolour at this particular fixture. For me, it's much ado about nothing, however. Faux-sensitive individuals purporting to be offended by the national flags concerned whilst mouthing off expletives are the primary problem and the need for bans is a pretty sad reflection on societal progress. Whatever happened to the notions of tolerance and respect?
It was the official club twitter, not sure whether it's run by an employee or not but the club obviously trust them to represent the club. I think there are good reasons for keeping political symbols out of club fixtures like that. It's probably made easier by the fact Derry play 95% of their games against ROI opposition anyway.

[Not Brazil]

Why the boycott? You'll have to get over Derry poaching Patterson at some point! :p

Had been told they were the other day by a Linfield fan, but I didn't think it added up given the many national flags on display the other night.


I lost no sleep whatsoever when Patterson left us...although it's great for Derry City FC that they have another Northern Ireland international in their ranks.

I'm boycotting because I refuse to put money directly into the coffers of Derry City FC.

The Linfield fan you spoke with about flags is wrong. No issue at all with National Flags at Windsor Park.

[Charlie Darwin]

I lost no sleep whatsoever when Patterson left us...although it's great for Derry City FC that they have another Northern Ireland international in their ranks.

I'm boycotting because I refuse to put money directly into the coffers of Derry City FC.
How come, out of interest?

[Not Brazil]

How come, out of interest?

Financial reasons.

[SwanVsDalton]

Financial reasons.

Yet more signs of non-investment west of the Bann....

[DannyInvincible]

Here's something I wrote in an attempt to explain why I think northern-born players are declaring for the FAI in current times in contrast to the times of, say, Martin O'Neill when there were no such instances of northerners declaring despite their eligibility to do so: http://backpagefootball.com/general/so-what-did-prompt-northerners-declarations-for-fai/

[Olé Olé]

I lost no sleep whatsoever when Patterson left us...although it's great for Derry City FC that they have another Northern Ireland international in their ranks.

Aye, and great to see Patterson tweet McClean congratulating him on his Irish debut last week!

[Predator]

Patterson was included in an FAI youth squad to compete in European Championships before injury forced him to withdraw.

[Not Brazil]

Apart from the bit of sectarianism, the Derry fans were great.


Edit:

We'll apart from the bit of sectarianism and vandalisation, I thought they were great.

I got a text earlier to tell me 20 seats were wrecked or damaged.

Fair play to the Derry Chairman - he doesn't miss the door.

http://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/derry-city/derry-chairman-furious-after-windsor-vandalism-1-3608116

[Not Brazil]

Patterson was included in an FAI youth squad to compete in European Championships before injury forced him to withdraw.

Why did he not stick with the FAI?

[Predator]

Why did he not stick with the FAI?I've no idea. Realism, perhaps? If you really want to know, I suppose you could ask him on twitter or something?
His career took a bit of a nose dive after Rochdale and he doesn't seem to have received international recognition until about 7 years later, when, after a great season with Coleraine, Worthington called him up. I'm very happy that he is a City player. He is a more than capable replacement for Zayed.

[ifk101]

Perhaps Rory Paterson was abused/ pressurised/ threatened/ intimidated into switching. That's what happened with James McClean after all.

[Not Brazil]

Perhaps Rory Paterson was abused/ pressurised/ threatened/ intimidated into switching. That's what happened with James McClean after all.

I don't think McClean needed any of the above to switch.

[Acornvilla]

What the balls? I stopped reading this about 60 pages ago, wtf do you people have left to discuss?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Why not read the thread and find out...
;)

[ArdeeBhoy]

I always have a wee chuckle when I see/hear Irish Tricolor waving folk chanting "dirty orange *******s".

I also have the same chuckle when I see Ulster Banner waving folk giving off about "Fenian *******s".
By the way, do you know if the National Flag ban at The Brandy has been lifted?
That's a lot of 'chuckles' !
:rolleyes:

Perhaps they both had a more negative experience of the 'other side' than you...

And which 'national' flag?


Nowadays, the sight of Tricolours at Windsor Park is commonplace, and causes little or no offence to anyone.

Presumably when Cliftonville (& Donegal Celtic?!) play there also?

And all Linfield fans are so accommodating as your good self, yeah right.

[Not Brazil]

And which 'national' flag?
.

All National Flags.

[Not Brazil]

Presumably when Cliftonville (& Donegal Celtic?!) play there also?

And all Linfield fans are so accommodating as your good self, yeah right.

Cliftonville, DC (although they don't really have many fans) and when teams from the South play there.

Marty and his Provo mate McCartney seemed to enjoy the hospitality of the Linfield Management Committie in the Directors Box on Monday night.

[gastric]

Cliftonville, DC (although they don't really have many fans) and when teams from the South play there.

Marty and his Provo mate McCartney seemed to enjoy the hospitality of the Linfield Management Committie in the Directors Box on Monday night.

This comment shows your failure to move with the times and to try and embrace the Nationalist Community. Even the old firebrand Ian Paisley made some effort, why can't you? This is why you continue to lose players to us and long may it continue.

Using soccer as a vehicle to highlight myopic political views is at the heart of the issue and why the FAI is representative of one community only. It is tragic that NI born players feel they cannot represent their country of birth because of this nauseating attitude.

Maybe when the likes of the Faroes Islands beat you, the likes of you will realise that maybe it is time to make a genuine and sincere effort to accommodate the Nationalist Community. Until then I hope this exodus continues and highlights the hypocrisy of the FAI and its supposedly 'soccer supporters.'

You are viewed by some on here as moderate in attitude. I actually think you are eloquent, but extreme in attitude. Boycotting a Derry game because your money might help them is proof of your highy politicized view of soccer.

To answer the post recently by Acorn Villa, it is because of such posts by NB that I feel compelled to continue debating this highly emotive issue.

[Not Brazil]

This comment shows your failure to move with the times and to try and embrace the Nationalist Community. Even the old firebrand Ian Paisley made some effort, why can't you? This is why you continue to lose players to us and long may it continue.

Using soccer as a vehicle to highlight myopic political views is at the heart of the issue and why the FAI is representative of one community only. It is tragic that NI born players feel they cannot represent their country of birth because of this nauseating attitude.

Maybe when the likes of the Faroes Islands beat you, the likes of you will realise that maybe it is time to make a genuine and sincere effort to accommodate the Nationalist Community. Until then I hope this exodus continues and highlights the hypocrisy of the FAI and its supposedly 'soccer supporters.'


You are viewed by some on here as moderate in attitude. I actually think you are eloquent, but extreme in attitude. Boycotting a Derry game because your money might help them is proof of your highy politicized view of soccer.

To answer the post recently by Acorn Villa, it is because of such posts by NB that I feel compelled to continue debating this highly emotive issue.

That's a class rant.

I tip my hat to you Sir.

If 'extreme' means not airbrushing history - then you're right.

You are extremely naive.

[Not Brazil]

This comment shows your failure to move with the times and to try and embrace the Nationalist Community. Even the old firebrand Ian Paisley made some effort, why can't you?

This piece of your rant is particularly naive.

I voted to put Marty and his Provo mates into power, long before 'lazarous' firebrand Ian Paisley would entertain that notion.

I forgave in 1998.

I'll not forget until the day I die.

I think that welcoming members of an organisation that tried to murder people attending a match at Windsor Park into the Directors Box at Windsor Park constitutes progress.

[Not Brazil]

Maybe... the likes of you will realise that maybe it is time to make a genuine and sincere effort to accommodate the Nationalist Community.

Maybe, as a "United" Irelander, the next time you want to throw a "hand grenade" in, calling for a "United" Ireland team, you will realise it's not all about the "Nationalist Community", and suggest sincere efforts to accomodate the Unionist Community.

[DannyInvincible]

Using soccer as a vehicle to highlight myopic political views is at the heart of the issue and why the FAI is representative of one community only. It is tragic that NI born players feel they cannot represent their country of birth because of this nauseating attitude.

Wouldn't necessarily agree with this, gastric. My father, for example, was born in Tyrone, but NI isn't his country. Just as, say, Scotland isn't his country. It's as simple as that. It's not that these players necessarily feel they cannot represent NI. Sure some have been content to do so at youth level. Niall McGinn represents NI in spite of continuing to support Ireland; the country with which he actually identifies nationally. These players who switch want to play for the country to which they actually affiliate and relate with regard to their national identity. The only reason Niall McGinn is playing for NI is because he didn't have enough faith in his ability to challenge for a place in the Ireland sqaud. He took the pragmatic or careerist option, which is perfectly fine, as far as I'm concerned. Duffy, McClean, Gibson, Wilson and whoever have also all been pretty clear on the country with which they identify. McClean even went to the lengths of correcting Colin Murray from 'Match of the Day 2' via Tweeter when the latter erroneously referred to him as "Northern Irish".


Maybe when the likes of the Faroes Islands beat you, the likes of you will realise that maybe it is time to make a genuine and sincere effort to accommodate the Nationalist Community. Until then I hope this exodus continues and highlights the hypocrisy of the FAI and its supposedly 'soccer supporters.'

The IFA run a 'Football for All' programme and embrace the likes of Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt without issue, to be fair to them. Whether it can convince broad nationalism to take an interest in them, I'm not so sure, but they may try.


You are viewed by some on here as moderate in attitude.

I know he's a unionist through and through, but the reason I think NB is reasonable is because he more often than not acknowledges the facts of a situation and respects the right of nationalists to identify however they wish without flinging accusations of bigotry and sectarianism at them.


Boycotting a Derry game because your money might help them is proof of your highy politicized view of soccer.

Have a feeling his issues are not political here but may well relate to Derry's past dealings with other Irish League clubs; Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts, I'm guessing?

[Not Brazil]

Have a feeling his issues are not political here but may well relate to Derry's past dealings with other Irish League clubs; Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts, I'm guessing?

Nothing "political" at all Danny.

You've got it almost spot on...Cliftonville, Dungannon and Linfield.

You are also correct in the assertion that I view Nationalist aspirations equally as valid as my desire for Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Sadly, Gastric's mask slipped somewhat in his earlier rant.

[DannyInvincible]

You are also correct in the assertion that I view Nationalist aspirations equally as valid as my desire for Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.

This is the true meaning of "shared future"; respect and tolerance of difference. Many other NI fans and intolerant unionists unfortunately seem to confuse "shared future" to constitute a duty upon nationalists to adopt a new national identity. When nationalists refuse to relinquish their Irish national identity and, worse, have the nerve to express it, they are accused of bigotry and sectarianism. These aforementioned dinosaurs are stuck in a pre-GFA age.

[gastric]

Wouldn't necessarily agree with this, gastric. My father, for example, was born in Tyrone, but NI isn't his country. Just as, say, Scotland isn't his country. It's as simple as that. It's not that these players necessarily feel they cannot represent NI. Sure some have been content to do so at youth level. Niall McGinn represents NI in spite of continuing to support Ireland; the country with which he actually identifies nationally. These players who switch want to play for the country to which they actually affiliate and relate with regard to their national identity. The only reason Niall McGinn is playing for NI is because he didn't have enough faith in his ability to challenge for a place in the Ireland sqaud. He took the pragmatic or careerist option, which is perfectly fine, as far as I'm concerned. Duffy, McClean, Gibson, Wilson and whoever have also all been pretty clear on the country with which they identify. McClean even went to the lengths of correcting Colin Murray from 'Match of the Day 2' via Tweeter when the latter erroneously referred to him as "Northern Irish".



The IFA run a 'Football for All' programme and embrace the likes of Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt without issue, to be fair to them. Whether it can convince broad nationalism to take an interest in them, I'm not so sure, but they may try.



I know he's a unionist through and through, but the reason I think NB is reasonable is because he more often than not acknowledges the facts of a situation and respects the right of nationalists to identify however they wish without flinging accusations of bigotry and sectarianism at them.



Have a feeling his issues are not political here but may well relate to Derry's past dealings with other Irish League clubs; Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts, I'm guessing?

I have to confess to a big mistake in the above post where I typed in FAI whem I meant IFA.

[gastric]

NB, so now I am a United Irelander? Your ignorance and stupidity never cease to amaze me. When have I ever expressed such a view? The reality is I have never directly expressed my political views on here. Maybe this is probably due to your 'if they're not with us they are against us' mentality?
Firstly, I am not in favour of a united Ireland, politically or in soccer terms. NI has the right to have its own soccer team and long may this continue. What I cannot abide is how soccer has been used as a vehicle for political views over the years and still continues today in NI. I also believe that NI continues to alienate many in the Nationalist Community. Recent progress has only been made due to the defections that continue to irk NI supporters. The appointments of Michael O 'Neill and Gerry Armstrong smack of desperation. Positive discrimination has been forced upon the IFA.

The only way progress can continue in terms of creating a more inclusive approach is if players continue to leave NI and join us. Then maybe at some stage through lack of success and progress, there may a change in attitude in NI. It should never be forgotten that real political change does not occur until reality impinges upon idealism.

Unfortunately, NB you don't have the ability to accept this reality and your ideas regarding U19s and international representation is a ruse to cover over the anger and embarrassment that this brings to NI football. I hope players continue to represent NI at youth levels and then join us as is their democratic right. Maybe then reality will bite and players from the Nationalist Community will feel they are part of an inclusive team that can achieve success.

The continued extremist political aspects of your posts show that while you think you are progressive, you are actually the problem.

[geysir]

NB, so now I am a United Irelander? Your ignorance and stupidity never cease to amaze me. When have I ever expressed such a view? .
NB might well have presumed incorrectly, but he is neither ignorant nor stupid. Far from it.

It's worse than that, he's a Linfield man :D

[Not Brazil]

This is the true meaning of "shared future"; respect and tolerance of difference. Many other NI fans and intolerant unionists unfortunately seem to confuse "shared future" to constitute a duty upon nationalists to adopt a new national identity. When nationalists refuse to relinquish their Irish national identity and, worse, have the nerve to express it, they are accused of bigotry and sectarianism. These aforementioned dinosaurs are stuck in a pre-GFA age.

The reality of making a shared future happen is going to be very difficult for some Irish Republicans too.

[Not Brazil]

NB, so now I am a United Irelander?
Firstly, I am not in favour of a united Ireland, politically or in soccer terms. NI has the right to have its own soccer team and long may this continue.

My sincere apologies gastric....I misinterpreted the hand grenade you threw in earlier.

Your Unionism certainly proves that Unionism encompasses a broad spectrum of views.

[Not Brazil]

Unfortunately, NB you don't have the ability to accept this reality and your ideas regarding U19s and international representation is a ruse to cover over the anger and embarrassment that this brings to NI football. I hope players continue to represent NI at youth levels and then join us as is their democratic.

My desire is to protect and progress the best interests of the Irish Football Association's representative sides, going forward, mindful and respecting of eligibility rules.

If you think encouraging and facilitating players with a dream of representing the FAI to do so before they wear a Northern Ireland shirt is 'unfortunate', then it is you who has problems in progressing.

I support all players committed to the Northern Ireland cause - where they put their X in elections is of absolutely no interest to me when I go to watch them perform.

[Newryrep]

I have to confess to a big mistake in the above post where I typed in FAI whem I meant IFA.

anybody who follows this thread knows you meant the IFA, however can I kndly suggest to read Danny excellent blog before posting ill informed nonescense. to paraphase Bill Clinton 'Its your nationailty stupid'

[SwanVsDalton]

Edit:

We'll apart from the bit of sectarianism and vandalisation, I thought they were great.

I got a text earlier to tell me 20 seats were wrecked or damaged.

Fair play to the Derry Chairman - he doesn't miss the door.

http://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/derry-city/derry-chairman-furious-after-windsor-vandalism-1-3608116

Ye's get the cheque this time? To quote yourself, that 'constitutes progress' no?

[Not Brazil]

Ye's get the cheque this time? To quote yourself, that 'constitutes progress' no?

We got a cheque from Derry City for the damaged seats yesterday, I think.

Linfield had initially told Derry City that they would take for the damages out of ticket money owing to Derry for the Brandywell match, but the Derry City Chairman wanted to deal with the damages issue separately.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Marty and his Provo mate McCartney seemed to enjoy the hospitality of the Linfield Management Committie in the Directors Box on Monday night.

To be fair they wouldn't be the first 'terrorists' in there. :eek:
Plenty must have passed through there over the years.

And the more extreme fringes of Unionism have been welcome at Solitude and other nationalist arena for many years, at least in a sporting context, no?




I voted to put Marty and his Provo mates into power, long before 'lazarous' firebrand Ian Paisley would entertain that notion.

I think that welcoming members of an organisation that tried to murder people attending a match at Windsor Park into the Directors Box at Windsor Park constitutes progress.

You voted for Sinn Fein? :rolleyes: If so, am bemused, but credit where it's due.

Anyway, the Irish people in the last year demonstrably welcomed a head of state whose past representatives, did actually murder innocent civilians in our national stadium less than a century ago.
And received also their sports teams (Credit to them for turning up) over the course of the 'Troubles', unlike some.

So good to see both sides embracing this.


The reality of making a shared future happen is going to be very difficult for some Irish Republicans too.

Agreed.
But they're in a fairly tiny minority.
And would argue the evidence is it's not that side, in general, which doesn't want to 'share'.



Your Unionism certainly proves that Unionism encompasses a broad spectrum of views.

The one thing you got wrong. Nationalism is not Unionism! Being in favour of a united Ireland is not unionist. Unless of course you want to call people like yourself 'British nationalists'...

[Not Brazil]

The one thing you got wrong. Nationalism is not Unionism! Being in favour of a united Ireland is not unionist. Unless of course you want to call people like yourself 'British nationalists'...

I didn't get it "wrong" - you have got it wrong...again.

The post was directed at gastric, who had previously stated he did not support a United Ireland politically.

This is the position of Unionism.

Please try and read before you wade in and embarrass yourself.

[Not Brazil]

Solitude and other nationalist arena'

As Mr Parker will confirm, Solitude is not a "nationalist arena"....it's a football ground.

They don't play GAA at Solitude.

You seem to be under the, wrong, impression that Cliftonville Football Club are some sort of 'Nationalist' Institution.

Many Cliftonville fans would find that notion offensive.

[Not Brazil]

You voted for Sinn Fein?


How on earth did you arrive at asking me such a preposterous question from anything that I've posted?

Random, incoherent, ramblings from you...again.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Er, initially I was being 'tongue in cheek' about unionists. The bitterest pill and all that.

As for Cliftonville, I'll trust the judgement of their fans I've met on various Ireland trips. Similarly they too would be offended if they were anything other than you suggested. Not to mention contradicting (yet again) your own post(#3268) about their flags.

Finally the last point again refers to your post (#3271) when you, er, suggested exactly that...
:rolleyes:

If anyone's posting "Random, incoherent ramblings", it's not me!

[Not Brazil]

Er, initially I was being 'tongue in cheek' about unionists. The bitterest pill and all that.


Er, what?

[Not Brazil]

As for Cliftonville, I'll trust the judgement of their fans I've met on various Ireland trips. Similarly they too would be offended if they were anything other than you suggested. Not to mention contradicting (yet again) your own post(#3268) about their flags


Solitude is not a "nationalist arena".

We'll see if any Cliftonville supporting posters support your ridiculous assertion that it is.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Nice bit of back-pedalling, as ever...
;)

[Not Brazil]

Finally the last point again refers to your post (#3271) when you, er, suggested exactly that...
:rolleyes:


I'll give you a pardon on the grounds of your, increasingly evident, ignorance.

I voted "YES" in the Good Friday Agreement referendum.

[Not Brazil]

Nice bit of back-pedalling, as ever...
;)

Now, now - stop boasting.

[geysir]

A side issue NB, if the same GFA referendum was held next week, would you still vote yes, knowing all that has transpired (if you know what i mean)?

[Not Brazil]

A side issue NB, if the same GFA referendum was held next week, would you still vote yes, knowing all that has transpired (if you know what i mean)?

I thought long and hard about it then geysir...it wasn't an easy decision to make on a number of levels.

It's fair to say I voted "YES" then with a fair amount of trepidation.

If there was a referendum next week, I would vote "YES" with absolute certainty that it's the right thing to do.

Northern Ireland is a much better place than it was in 1998.

[gastric]

anybody who follows this thread knows you meant the IFA, however can I kndly suggest to read Danny excellent blog before posting ill informed nonescense. to paraphase Bill Clinton 'Its your nationailty stupid'

Not sure what your point is, and the spelling mistakes don't help!

[Not Brazil]

Not sure what your point is

You should heed Newryrep's excellent advice, without getting too hung up about spelling mistakes.

[gastric]

I didn't get it "wrong" - you have got it wrong...again.

The post was directed at gastric, who had previously stated he did not support a United Ireland politically.

This is the position of Unionism.

Please try and read before you wade in and embarrass yourself.

So now I am a Unionist. Love it!

[Not Brazil]

So now I am a Unionist. Love it!

Good man gastric.