Independent Leyton Orient Forum

There is controversy, because many people think Ireland shouldn't play Israel, & should pull out of the upcoming match.
The penalty will be high for the Irish, but what do you think,
Should the game be played?

why no option for "don't give a toss"? Questionable survey design.

And the poll question says should Ireland refuse to play, but in commentary the question is worded as should the game be played?

This hasn't been properly thought through at all. For that reason, I'm out.

Smacks of a cobbled together fishing exercise by Counter Terrorism, tracking anyone who says "yes". Avoid.

Yes to which question?

'Should be played but as Hurley.

I think they should keep politics out of sport and have therefore gone for the second option of this very poorly thought out poll.

'Ireland' referred to is the Republic of Ireland. Everyone's entitled to air their opinions but, when it comes down to it it's none of our business.

Game is game. Politics has no place on the pitch

Agree, countries should refuse to play until theres peace in Ireland and NI.

Sorry it's such a badly thought out poll... silly me, there I was thinking, this was a quick poll, for a football forum, while my cheese & pickle sandwich, was falling apart in my lap. If I'd have realized it was going to the United Nations general assembly anytime soon, if have take more care.

I'm surprised at the result, so far, & don't think it represents the feeling in the county.

For me, I would think, in the same vein, that the world refused to play sport with South Africa, during its apartheid days, & that Russia was kicked out of world sport, after just 4 days of invading Ukraine, that Israel shouldn't be allowed to pay sport, while they are murdering babies & children, but as for some reason, the authorities won't throw Israel out, then Ireland, & hopefully others after that, will refuse to play them, & be brave and take the sanctions that will come
That is my opinion

My view is that the Nations League is a total waste of time and everyone should pull out of it.

L.Orient wrote: Wed Sep 23, 2026 4:09 pm Game is game. Politics has no place on the pitch

Assume you were against the Russian ban then?

Adz wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:29 am

L.Orient wrote: Wed Sep 23, 2026 4:09 pm Game is game. Politics has no place on the pitch

Assume you were against the Russian ban then?

There's a difference between domestic political statements on the pitch and a country violating international law or sovereign borders. International sports bodies have rules regarding geopolitics and aggression that go beyond standard 'politics'

L.Orient wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:50 am

Adz wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:29 am

L.Orient wrote: Wed Sep 23, 2026 4:09 pm Game is game. Politics has no place on the pitch

Assume you were against the Russian ban then?

There's a difference between domestic political statements on the pitch and a country violating international law or sovereign borders. International sports bodies have rules regarding geopolitics and aggression that go beyond standard 'politics'

So politics does have a place on the pitch then?

There is a place for politics on the pitch, and in many others of everyday life. For instance, I'm showing solidarity for the people affected by the border dispute in Baarle-Nassau by striking against paying for my own pints. If hurting corporate profits is the only way to draw attention to this crisis, then so be it.

Adz wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 1:13 am

L.Orient wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:50 am

Adz wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:29 am

Assume you were against the Russian ban then?

There's a difference between domestic political statements on the pitch and a country violating international law or sovereign borders. International sports bodies have rules regarding geopolitics and aggression that go beyond standard 'politics'

So politics does have a place on the pitch then?

There's a line between political opinions and fundamental human rights. Banning a country for invading another isn't a political stance; it's a humanitarian and legal one. Standard politics still belongs nowhere near the game.

L.Orient wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 6:55 am Banning a country for invading another isn't a political stance; it's a humanitarian and legal one.

What about genocides?

L.Orient wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 6:55 am

Adz wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 1:13 am

L.Orient wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:50 am

There's a difference between domestic political statements on the pitch and a country violating international law or sovereign borders. International sports bodies have rules regarding geopolitics and aggression that go beyond standard 'politics'

So politics does have a place on the pitch then?

There's a line between political opinions and fundamental human rights. Banning a country for invading another isn't a political stance; it's a humanitarian and legal one. Standard politics still belongs nowhere near the game.

Hasn't Israel invaded other countries very recently?

If Ireland refused to play, it'd likely be considered a forfeit and would give Israel 6 points, meaning they'd be very well placed to qualify for the Euro's. It's ridiculous Ireland (and every other team) have been put in in this position, Uefa need to grow a pair and eject Israel from the tournament. The double standard with Russia is too obvious.

In Russias defence, at least they’re actually in Europe.

Israel shouldn’t even be in it to be banned from it.

Hoover Attack wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 10:20 am In Russias defence, at least they’re actually in Europe.

Israel shouldn’t even be in it to be banned from it.

Albeit closer to Europe than Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia or the remainder of the former USSR.

e15O wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 12:41 pm

Hoover Attack wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2026 10:20 am In Russias defence, at least they’re actually in Europe.

Israel shouldn’t even be in it to be banned from it.

Albeit closer to Europe than Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia or the remainder of the former USSR.

But only parts of it.

You wouldn't want to draw Vladivostok Rovers in the Europa League. Hawaii is closer.

So we're just going to make Europe close places to London/Paris now? Ok.