Irish fans website YBIG had planned a large protest in the Aviva last night during the Ireland v USA match but it seems much of it was quelled by security. The demonstration was planned over some fans' unhappiness at how John Delaney dealt with the tickets problem for the Scotland match and other issues such as the current state of the League of Ireland and the development – or lack thereof – of underage players
On the YBIG website, the criteria was set out for what the demonstration would consist of:
1. Fans to be as vocal as possible and Tifos to be waved in support of the team, as per usual, for the 1st 11 minutes
2. Fans will stop support in the 12th minute
3. Tifos and support banners to be taken down
4. Banners highlighting dissatisfaction will be displayed from 12th minute on
5. Homemade banners will also be encouraged to be displayed at this point
6. We would encourage all supporters to bring along an old tie to the game to form a part of the protest. These will be thrown onto the pitch in the 32th minute to show our dissatisfaction to FAI CEO John Delaney
Throughout yesterday fans were tweeting the banners they had prepared but some these were confiscated before the game, on arrival to the grounds.
Another banner at #IrlUSA #usmnt game #ybig @YouBoysInGreen #supportdoesntwork h/t Fergal O'C @noriordan pic.twitter.com/eRnSQYHhlE
— John Barrington (@PhuckAllCraic) November 18, 2014
FAIlures and Liars Banner at Lansdowne with Steward moving in. h/t Trevor G #supportdoesntwork @YouBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/xXzqGjIq66 — John Barrington (@PhuckAllCraic) November 18, 2014
English teachers everywhere would have happily confiscated this one.
H/t once again to Fergal O'C Yet another fan banner #supportdoesntwork @noriordan @YouBoysInGreen @RichieSadlier pic.twitter.com/5WPl3ZSfvv
— John Barrington (@PhuckAllCraic) November 18, 2014
It seems the security at the Aviva got wind of the planned protest, as they provided at heightened presence behind the goal during the game.
Unusually large garda/security presence in @YouBoysInGreen singing section. Supporters aren't being silenced though. pic.twitter.com/fwvF5hjyU6 — Mark McCadden (@markmccadden) November 18, 2014
Attempt to put up a banner in singing section foiled by security
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) November 18, 2014
Ridiculous security measures at the game tonight, the fans should have been allowed to protest @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/DBX305LReQ — Shane Cox (@ShaneCox_) November 19, 2014
Bit of commotion in the singing section at the aviva #delaney #protest #IrlUSA pic.twitter.com/KMRTGYc7Jn
— Cathal O'Sullivan (@cathalos) November 18, 2014