Move by FAI & UEFA to remember Loughinisland victims ...

[Aerlik]

Well, in that case, Johnny and Eamon, declare the Danish comp victory as null and void and replay that whole tournament.

[trileacman]

Dunphy's comments are measured and thoughtful. Giles' comments have the whiff of the old sport-and-politics-don't-mix mantra beloved of all those who yearned to play in apartheid South Africa

I agree with deiseach. Dunphy makes a valid point and gives sound reasons to back up his view, whether you agree with him or not.  OK, Dunph is a bit of a professional polemicist and pantomime villain but he does give serious issues thought.  Giles comes out with the tired and outdated "All footballers want to do is play football"

I agree with that too, whilst the armbands have several reasons in their favour there does exist arguments against them as well. It has to be said that they muddy the waters between sport and politics and where do we draw the line between the events we mark on the soccer calender and the ones we don't? On the flipside it's important to mark and remember the events at Loughisland especially considering that a large proportion of the Irish support during the Euro's won't have a clue what the team are wearing armbands for.

I find the whole situation a hard one to call, would the Argentines be allowed to mark the sinking of the Belgrano or the Israeli's to mark the Munich hostages?

[Leo]

"It has to be said that they muddy the waters between sport and politics and where do we draw the line between the events we mark on the soccer calender and the ones we don't?"

Precedent for all kinds of politically inspired "gestures" - not good. It is ironic that this soccer story  is being discussed on a GAA board. The GAA would be more sensitive to the wider issues given rise by  such a selectve commeration (however commenserate).

[Mike Tyson]

Loughinisland has always had the soccer match between Ireland and Italy associated with it. It just so happens that both teams will be playing each other again on the same date. It's not just wearing armbands to remember the date of any aul event in history.

The whole community think it is a fantastic gesture from the FAI and Uefa. Agree with what Hardstation says, it's not just any aul event. The fact that the victims were watching Ireland v Italy 18 years ago to the day is the only reason the armbands are being worn, nothing to do with politics or any other reason.

[Hardy]

It will inevitably lead to commemoration escalation and an armbands race.

[Nally Stand]

Agreed Mike. FFS this was an initiative by the families so it is obviously something meaningful for them. This is unique in that aside from being the exact anniversary, the same two teams are involved. As the Tele article I linked to said, the planets all alligned to make this the perfect opportunity. A one off chance. What is it about this country that even something as clear cut, genuine and seemingly inoffensive as this is always seized upon by cynical hoors spouting totally bogus but lofty sounding arguments. Comparisons with the sinking of the belgrano etc are farcical. That event had nothing to do with the Argentinian football team. The victims of Loughinisland were killed while supporting their team, so when the planets align as they have, it would be remiss to not allow their team to remember them.

[Maguire01]

Most people agree that it is a positive gesture. No surprises therefor that Dunphy thinks it's a bad idea. The man would run to the papers to claim black was white if he thought he was being controversial.

Indeed, you only have to look at his endorsement in the presidential campaign.

[mylestheslasher]

People were murdered while they watched their team play on TV. The team is remembering these supporters on the anniversary of the massacre. Simple as that and only controversial because some muppets declared it so. No more different than Liverpool remembering hillsborough.

[5 Sams]

People were murdered while they watched their team play on TV. The team is remembering these supporters on the anniversary of the massacre. Simple as that and only controversial because some muppets declared it so. No more different than Liverpool remembering hillsborough.

Fair play. You've nailed it Myles.

Close the thread.

[Sheedy]

People were murdered while they watched their team play on TV. The team is remembering these supporters on the anniversary of the massacre. Simple as that and only controversial because some muppets declared it so. No more different than Liverpool remembering hillsborough.

Fair play. You've nailed it Myles.

Close the thread.

totally agree. spot on myles.

[Lar Naparka]

It will inevitably lead to commemoration escalation and an armbands race.

Undoubtedly it will but that won't unduly worry me.
Each case should be judged on its particular merits and I think the present one deserved to get the go-ahead.
I don't see any sectarian or political issues involved and I expect the gesture will be appreciated by fair-minded people everywhere.

[haranguerer]

People were murdered while they watched their team play on TV. The team is remembering these supporters on the anniversary of the massacre. Simple as that and only controversial because some muppets declared it so. No more different than Liverpool remembering hillsborough.

Agree totally Myles (!!!) 

[Hardy]

It will inevitably lead to commemoration escalation and an armbands race.

Undoubtedly it will but that won't unduly worry me.
Each case should be judged on its particular merits and I think the present one deserved to get the go-ahead.
I don't see any sectarian or political issues involved and I expect the gesture will be appreciated by fair-minded people everywhere.

I agree, Lar. I just predict a tit-for-tat campaign and a clamour the next time OWC line out unless they're suitably armbanded.

[dillinger]

.

[/quote]

I agree, Lar. I just predict a tit-for-tat campaign and a clamour the next time OWC line out unless they're suitably armbanded.
[/quote] 

Don't be silly.

[fitzroyalty]

People were murdered while they watched their team play on TV. The team is remembering these supporters on the anniversary of the massacre. Simple as that and only controversial because some muppets declared it so. No more different than Liverpool remembering hillsborough.

Spot on.

Out of interest, should tit-for-tat emerge from this (even though it won't), can anyone pinpoint what the corresponding remembrance/commemoration would be?

Or is that school of thought just more lazy, out-of-context commentary as usual?