Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward has called for the FAI to organise a friendly against Palestine.
"I could only imagine the colour at the game, the atmosphere at the game," said the Dublin mid-west TD.
"It would send a brilliant message of solidarity to the people of Palestine. The Irish people sending out an olive branch, excuse the pun, to the Palestinian people saying, 'We hear you, we know you're there and we acknowledge you and we are playing this international friendly.
"If an international friendly happened between Ireland and Palestine, it would sell out the Aviva and the colour would be absolutely spectacular.
"I think it would send a clear message not just to the Palestinian people, but right across the world."
Would you support an International soccer match between Ireland 🇮🇪 and Palestine 🇵🇸? @FAIreland @FutbolPalestine @sinnfeinireland pic.twitter.com/qHcGF1pRZp
— Mark Ward T.D. (@Wardy1916) January 25, 2024
Earlier this week, with Gaza still under attack from Israeli forces, Palestine qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup for the first time.
"It's time now again for me and others to approach the FAI and ask them to arrange the friendly to happen," said Ward.
"I don't see why it shouldn't happen, it doesn't have to be a full international friendly if the FIFA fixture list doesn't allow it, but it could be a League of Ireland select."
20 January 2024; Dublin players hold a banner in solidarity with Palestine during the national anthem before the 2024 Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 Round 1 fixture between Dublin and Kerry at Parnell Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
There have been several displays of support for Palestine from those within Irish sport in recent weeks.
Before their National League game against Kerry at the weekend, the Dublin ladies footballers held a banner reading 'Sos cogaidh sa Phalaistín' (Ceasefire in Palestine).
"We are taking this opportunity to plead with the key influencers and decision makers," the reigning All-Ireland champions said in a statement.
"Please do all in your power to help bring a ceasefire and end to hostilities in the Gaza region."
In the Dáil this week, Mark Ward commended their stand.
"I want to take the opportunity to commend the Dublin women's football team for taking a stand at the weekend in support of Palestine," he said.
"I was in the West Bank 14 months ago, minister, and I met the head of the Palestinian Football Association. He told me at the time that no European country have ever played Palestine in an international soccer match, be it in a friendly or a competition.
"I'd urge you to raise this at the next EU meeting, why this has not happened."
Damien Comer: 'Anything To Help Bring A Ceasefire In Palestine Is Something I’d Gladly Support'
