February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The report for the Irish Football Association also says the game’s authorities should end the practice of playing the British national anthem, “God Save The Queen,” before international games.
Democratic Dialogue, a Belfast think tank, also said that the singing of sectarian songs should be made illegal in order to give stadium stewards more authority over disruptive fans.
While Catholic teams and fans are involved in the Irish League, the main Northern Ireland soccer league, the sport — especially at international level — is predominantly Protestant. The restriction on Sunday games is considered by some as a reflection of a fundamentalist Protestant ethos.
The IFA commissioned the report as part of its Football For All campaign, which is aimed at making the sport more open. The report says significant changes have been made, but says more can be done.
There is however, expected to be considerable opposition to the proposals from unionists.
“Rampant republicans will never accept Northern Ireland as a country never mind its football team,” said Iris Robinson of the DUP. “Why, therefore, should steps be taken to appease people who cannot be appeased?”
SDLP representative John Dallat said the suggestions amounted to “half a loaf” and called for the Northern Ireland team to be replaced by an all-Ireland team.