Some fair points Kev.Originally Posted by Maribor
The fans are the bit that Football Associations can do least about. There are plenty of Celtic-loving armchair Republicans amongst the Republic Of Ireland's supprt (I came very close to getting in a fight in Paris for telling a load of Cork lads to feck-up from singing 'Ra songs). But the bottom line is that I feel safer in those circles than I would amongst a similar loyalist group. I wish both lots would disappear, but it's understandably 'better the devil you know' when it comers to mouthy football supporters.
Regardless - my main bug-bear is the anthem and flag. The flag bit I can't really see any alternative for, which solves that one, but the anthem is an easy fix, and it disturbs me that the thought doesn't even appear to have crossed the IFA's mind. The fact that some of those who complain about the anthem are just using it as an excuses is irrelevant. If the IFA is serious about having a team that represents ALL of Northern Ireland - and not just a small majority of the 'nation' - then it should be looking to address these things. They should be done because they're right, and in-keeping with the apparent new identity of Northern Irish football - not just to get a few more nationalist bums on seats. If the IFA don't really care about the inclusiveness or other of the team, then fine - but just be honest about that. But you can't have words that say one thing and symbolism that says something completely different - it just doesn't wash.
And I would disagree that most open-minded nationalists have already been to Windsor. I'd say a few more would be interested now after the hype from last Weds - but bar youself and another lad I was at the College with, I don't know anyone who's been to Windsor park since the 1980's. I know a decent number of open-minded lads who love their football and have lived outside of the north for years. Now they're back in Belfast, none of them ghas been up to Windsor. I'd happily go to a Norn Iron game - just as I try to catch any football games wherever I go. But I just don't feel 'connected' to what is my home nation because it dresses itself up in an identity that I don't share, and that is considered antagonistic towards my identity.
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