Ireland will take on England in Dublin next month and although initial reaction was very positive some of the unfortunate realities of the situation are starting to take hold. After England fans were reprimanded for singing about the IRA against Italy in March, the FA have taken the understandable step of both publicly and privately requesting that politically charged songs are not heard in the Aviva on June 7th.
#FollowEnglandAway in the right way when the #ThreeLions meet Rep of Ireland next month http://t.co/fweYMjDAD0 pic.twitter.com/9SEgwUHzKO
— England (@England) May 19, 2015
The accompanying request to travelling fans, many of whom also received emails of a similar nature, lays out the FA's position in relation to the matter.
The FA is calling on fans to Follow England Away in the right way ahead of next month’s trip to Dublin.
The FA has recently noted an increase in anti-social behaviour from a certain section of England fans that has led to complaints from within our own supporters who, as a result, have not enjoyed the experience of backing their country on the road.
FIFA has also made official contact with The FA to express concerns about anti-IRA chanting during the recent fixture against Italy in Turin and with the Ireland fixture in mind.
However, if the reaction to the FA's request is anything to go by, it may be difficult for authorities to control some of the travelling support.
@england what's wrong with being against a terrorist organization? #FuckTheIra
— Smiggy (@smiggyswfc) May 19, 2015
@england Funniest Tweet all day #getyourselvesfucked — Dave Banks (@PvfcBanko) May 19, 2015
@england @FA cheers for that email earlier, decent laugh
— Paul Babbington (@Babbs_92) May 19, 2015
Nice email from the FA reminding us to behave in Dublin and not to sing any anti-IRA songs that could offend the locals. The FA's flapping! — Craig (@CSRytonNufc) May 19, 2015
@ancientrome44 @henrywinter correct. You might offend the IRA and their supporters. Can't have that now.
— Jonny (@jonnymufc78) May 19, 2015
@mkem_01 @england so I should get over the fact that the ira killed people? Bollocks. Should be sang loud and proud. — Smiggy (@smiggyswfc) May 19, 2015
@henrywinter don't understand how singing against terrorism is "offensive" to non terrorists ... And if terrorists are offended, who cares?
— Matt Fulham (@MKFFC) May 19, 2015
“@henrywinter: FA pleads with England fans to cease IRA chants amidst unprecedented security operation for Dublin trip.<not gona happen! — Pete (@magicsuitcase) May 19, 2015
As you will no doubt have seen by now, the majority of those fans do seem to have missed the point. The reason the FA are worried about this issue is because FIFA are all set to hand down some hefty sanctions if the chanting continues in Dublin. The issue at play is not that some Ireland fans could be offended, it's due to the fact that FIFA refuses to accept politically charged singing and chanting.
Given that some fans don't seem to grasp that, it may be very difficult for the authorities to stamp it out.
