The country has been asked to wear green and play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ at the same time on Tuesday

James Fenton

The FAI has called on Jack’s Army to wear green this coming Tuesday to coincide with Jack Charlton’s funeral in Northumbria.

The former Ireland manager passed away at the age of 85 last Friday and the FAI is now asking everyone in Ireland to wear green and play Italia ’90 anthem Put ‘Em Under Pressure at 12.30pm on the day of his funeral. In conjunction with fan groups You Boys In Green, the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs and the Irish Supporters Network, the FAI is also calling on radio stations to play the tune at the same time to coincide with the conclusion of Jack’s funeral.

FAI invites Irish supporters to salute Jack Charlton next Tuesday 🙌

Supporters clubs will be playing Put ‘Em under Pressure to celebrate Jack's extraordinary achievements

➡️ https://t.co/Qg0fNnhSMq #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/qFKRogx2p3

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 17, 2020

In a statement issued on Friday evening, FAI President Gerry McAnaney said: “We have all mourned Jack Charlton and many tears have been shed since his death last Friday – Tuesday is our chance to say goodbye with a smile on all our faces.

“Jack Charlton and his team put many smiles on many faces between 1986 and 1995, at two World Cup finals and a European Championship, and we should remember him with an Irish send-off next Tuesday.

“As President of the FAI, I am asking Irish fans to wear green for the day and to salute Jack in song at 12.30 on Tuesday afternoon as his family are saying their final goodbyes in Newcastle. It would also be a really fitting gesture if all our radio stations here in Ireland could come together and play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ in unison at that time as their own tribute to the great man.

“Because of COVID-19 we cannot give Jack the send-off he deserves. We are talking to Jack’s family and looking at ways to commemorate his service to Irish football in the future but for now, I think it would be magnificent if we could make some noise for Jack one last time next Tuesday.”

A spokesperson for You Boys In Green added: “While all Ireland fans look forward to commemorating the passing of Big Jack in what he turned into ‘Fortress Lansdowne’ once supporters can safely return to the stadium, it would be fantastic to see the nation hold its breath to the soundtrack of his voice one final time.

“And as it was the era of Jackie’s Army mobilising that first saw the Ireland shirt displayed en masse across the world when we really shook ‘em up at Euro 88, Italia 90 and USA 94, it feels fitting to send a legend off with the wearing of the green.”

What an opportunity for the nation to come together just like we did in the 80s and 90s, when Big Jack was at the helm. You can read the FAI’s statement in full here.