Northern Ireland

Tánaiste criticises booing of God Save the King at Ireland v England match

Micheál Martin said the anthems of visiting teams should be respected by Irish fans.

Garda separate Republic of Ireland and England fans after the Uefa Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin
Garda separate Republic of Ireland and England fans after the Uefa Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)
By David Young and Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The Tánaiste has criticised the booing of the English national anthem ahead of Saturday’s encounter with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Micheál Martin insisted the vast majority of Irish fans in the stadium did respect the singing of God Save The King and he said overall the match was a “very happy occasion”.

British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer attended the match along with Taoiseach Simon Harris after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting earlier in the day.

Sir Keir Starmer (right) and Taoiseach Simon Harris during the UEFA Nations League Group F match at Aviva Stadium in, Dublin
Sir Keir Starmer (right) and Taoiseach Simon Harris during the UEFA Nations League Group F match at Aviva Stadium in, Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

England won the Nations League game 2-0.

The high-profile encounter was also marked by boos for England stars Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who both switched international allegiances from Ireland earlier in their careers.

Rice and Grealish answered their critics by scoring the two goals for England.

The game also drew focus on interim England manager Lee Carsley over his choice not to sing God Save the King.

Former midfielder Carsley played for the Republic of Ireland at international level.

Micheal Martin said he ‘wasn’t happy’ with the way a minority of Ireland fans reacted to the English team’s national anthem
Micheal Martin said he ‘wasn’t happy’ with the way a minority of Ireland fans reacted to the English team’s national anthem (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

On a visit to Newry in Co Down on Monday, Mr Martin was asked about the booing of the English anthem.

“I wasn’t happy with it,” he told reporters.

“I think when we’re hosting any country in the world, we should pay respect to their anthem, just as they should pay respect to our anthem.

“But the vast, vast majority of fans did pay respect, but you get that, I mean it’s football. And I thought overall the match was played in a wonderful atmosphere, there was a very happy atmosphere in the Aviva.

“We didn’t win. I think the English team were very strong on the night, and there was some very good football played. We could have had one or two.

“And I’m delighted that Chiedozie (Ogbene) got man of the match because he hails from Cork and actually played with my GAA club when he was a young fella. So we’ve a particular interest in his fortunes and he’s done very well with the green shirt on.

“And I think the future augers well for the Irish team and I wish them well. And it was a very happy occasion. And it was good to have the British prime minister Keir Starmer and indeed Hilary Benn (secretary of state) at the match as well. We had a good night.”