England and Republic of Ireland’s national anthems are BOOED by both sets of rival fans amid hostile atmosphere at Wembley for Nations League clash
Sunday night’s UEFA Nations League game between England and the Republic of Ireland was preceded by booing during both national anthems.
Jeering began in the away section at London’s Wembley Stadium when a large group representing the UK military were paraded on the field ahead of the match.
England fans responded by later booing Amhran na bhFiann. In return, Irish supporters booed God Save the King.
The lack of respect shown to both anthems was the topic of plenty of discussion on social media.
One comment on X (formerly Twitter) read: ‘England fans booing a national anthem is such a scummy thing’.
Another read: ‘Irish fans singing the national anthem louder than the English fans were booing.’
The national anthems of both England and the Republic of Ireland were booed at Wembley
Marc Guehi, Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane (left to right) pictured singing God Save the King
Irish supporters belted out Amhran na bhFiann, despite the anthem being booed at Wembley
Meanwhile, English journalist Henry Winter tweeted: ‘Jeer we go. Both anthems getting booed. Both associations getting fined.’
Irish journalist Daniel McDonnell added: ‘Spirited booing of both anthems, with the Irish fans not too impressed by the poppy season military ensemble functioning as the backing dancers’
Sunday’s game was only the second competitive men’s international between England and Ireland since the 1990 World Cup.
England won 2-0 in Dublin in the reverse fixture back in September when both goals were scored by players who had previously represented Ireland, in Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
Both national anthems were also booed before kick off in that game. UEFA responded by fining both the FA and the FAI.
England’s FA were forced to pay £10,500 (€12,500), while Ireland’s FAI were fined £8,400 (€10,000). The FA’s fine was bigger because they were deemed to be repeat offenders.
