Micheál Martin hits out at Irish fans who booed England's national anthem
Statting And Xis The Ireland National Preparing The Keane For For England Inpho/bryan Picture: Anthems
The Tánaiste has hit out at Irish football fans who booed the English national anthem ahead of the clash between the two nations on Saturday.
The pre-match rendition of God Save The King was loudly booed by the crowd at the Aviva Stadium before England went on to beat Heimer Hallgrimson's Ireland side 2-0.
Speaking at a conference of the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Newry, Micheál Martin said he was "not happy" to hear the booing, but added that things like it do happen at sporting events.
"I wasn't happy with it," he said. "I think when we're hosting any country in the world, we should pay respect to their anthem, just as they should pay respect to our anthem.
"But the vast, vast majority of fans did pay respect. But you'll get that. I mean, it's football, and I thought overall the match was played in a wonderful atmosphere."
Mr Martin said he enjoyed the game alongside British prime minister Keir Starmer and Northern Secretary Hillary Benn.
Mr Martin said he believed the English team "were very strong on the night" and said he was "delighted" that Corkman and former Nemo Rangers player Chiedozie Ogbene was named man of the match.
"We have a particular interest in his fortunes, and he's done very well with a green shirt on."