Former Taoiseach 'not happy' with Ireland fans who booed God Save the King in Dublin

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has criticised Irish football fans who booed the English national anthem during a soccer match between the two sides in Dublin.

The English anthem, God Save the King, was loudly booed by some fans at the Aviva Stadium shortly before kick-off. England went on to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 at a match attended by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Speaking in Newry on Monday morning, the Tánaiste hit out at those who booed the English anthem, saying that all national anthems should be respected. “I wasn't happy with it,” Mr Martin said.

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“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 get that, it's football. I thought overall, the match was played in a wonderful atmosphere, it was a very happy atmosphere in the Aviva.

“We didn't win. I think the English team were very strong on the night and there was some very good football played. We could have had one or two [goals].”

Mr Martin also said that he was “delighted” that Irish player Chiedozie Ogbene won man of the match as he “hails from Cork” and played for his own GAA Club Nemo Rangers “when he was a young fella”.

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