A Danish Football Association official has been called out for comments which have been widely viewed as anti-Irish.
Communications manager Jakob Hoyer remarked that he doesn’t wanted Danish supporters having to sit near “drunk Irish fans”. In recent days it has emerged that any Irish supporters sitting in the home section at tonight’s World Cup play-off in Copenhagen could be ejected from the stadium. Hoyer feels that the crowds should not be mixed.
The Irish Independent reports that he said:
“We do not want a situation where fans are mixed.
“Danish families do not have to stand with 30 drunk Irish people. And drunk Irish people must not stand up with drunk Danes, as it opens up a risk.”
Hoyer’s comments have sparked a response from Fine Gael TD Noel Rock who hit back:
“Mr Hoyer need only ask the citizens of France and Poland what a great influence Irish fans are, and our award from Uefa as the best fans in Euro 2016 is testament to that.”
“His anti-Irish stereotype is lazy and ignorant. It’s clear that Mr Hoyer owes Irish fans a serious apology.”
Irish fan group You Boys In Green have also had their say on the remark, stating:
“Mr Hoyer should really get his own house in order. The comments are disrespectful.
“Irish fans have been around the world and we have nothing but respect for our hosts.
“We get on with every group of fans we meet when we’re abroad.”
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