Irish pubs are refusing to screen the Republic of Ireland's match against Israel.
Why it matters: The boycott puts live-sports viewing revenue in the crosshairs for pubs, a key venue for matchday trade. It also raises exposure for broadcasters and rights holders if the protest widens beyond Ireland.
- Peadar Browns in Dublin's Liberties and Delacroix bar in Derry are among the venues refusing to show the game.
- Al Jazeera reported about 140 pubs and bars were on Aidan Brown's boycott list as of Sept. 27.
- The Football Association of Ireland said in a Sept. 26 statement that its fixtures against Israel will be fulfilled.
- UEFA's fixture list shows Israel vs. Republic of Ireland on Sept. 27, with the return match on Oct. 4.
Pubs in Ireland are refusing to screen the Republic of Ireland match against Israel, making the dispute over Gaza visible in a commercial setting tied to live sports viewing. Al Jazeera
Among the venues named are Peadar Browns in Dublin's Liberties and Delacroix bar in Derry. Peadar Browns owner Aidan Brown said, "We committed about a month ago not to show any of the upcoming Nations League fixtures until Ireland made a stand against Israel." Delacroix owner Liam Doherty said, "It has to come from the bottom up, and it has to come from a small nation."
The boycott is being organized through Irish Sport for Palestine and the Stop the Game campaign. Al Jazeera reported that about 140 pubs and bars were on Brown's boycott list as of Sept. 27, and that more than 160 Irish sportspeople had signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the fixtures.
The Football Association of Ireland said the matches will go ahead. In a Sept. 26 statement, the FAI said its fixtures against Israel will be fulfilled. RTÉ reported that FAI members backed that position at an extraordinary general meeting in Dublin on July 8 by 75 votes to 32, with three abstentions. RTÉ
UEFA's fixture list shows Israel vs. Republic of Ireland on Sept. 27, with the return match on Oct. 4. FAI squad news said Ireland would play in Debrecen, Hungary, and Bačka Topola, Serbia, after neutral-venue arrangements were made. UEFA FAI
By the numbers
- 140 - pubs and bars Al Jazeera said were on Aidan Brown's boycott list as of Sept. 27.
- 160 - Irish sportspeople Al Jazeera said signed an open letter calling for a boycott.
- 75-32 - FAI members' vote, with three abstentions, backing the association's position at an EGM.
Yes, but: The boycott is organized venue by venue, so it does not directly change the FAI's obligation to play the fixtures.
What's next: The Israel- Republic of Ireland match is scheduled for Sept. 27, with the return fixture on Oct. 4.