Copyright irishmirror
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has sensationally accused Ireland of leading an effort to “punish the Jewish people” by seeking to ban Israel from European football tournaments. Graham, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, also warned that Ireland would pay a “heavy price” for seeking a ban on the Israeli team. It was confirmed on Saturday that the FAI has voted to submit a motion to UEFA to ban Israel from its European club and international competitions. The proposal argues that the Israel Football Association has breached two separate provisions of UEFA’s statutes by organising clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian FA, for allegedly failing to enforce an effective anti-racism policy. The motion was proposed by League of Ireland side Bohemians, whose chief operating officer, Daniel Lambert said: “These are very serious breaches - important rules that are being ignored.” But U.S. Senator Graham, who has consistently supported Israel during the Gaza war, has strongly criticised the FAI proposal. Graham wrote on social media: “It is my understanding Ireland is about to make a motion to the European body governing football to ban Israel from playing in European competitions. “Ireland and others would be punishing the Jewish people 80 years after the Holocaust because they choose to fight back against terrorist groups who wish to kill all the Jews. Hamas started this war. “Hamas has put civilians at risk to continue this war. And Hamas is a radical Islamic terrorist group dedicated to the destruction of Israel. They must be defeated militarily and politically. “If these attacks against Israel continue, I will do everything in my power to make those who participate in this effort to marginalize Israel in sports, and elsewhere, pay a heavy price when it comes to access to the American economy.” In September, a panel of experts appointed by the United Nations called for Israel to be kicked out of international football competitions, arguing that it was a "necessary response to address the ongoing genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territory". "Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual. National teams representing states that commit massive human rights violations can and should be suspended." This followed an independent UN commission concluding that Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has denied committing genocide and described the report as scandalous. Click here to sign up to our soccer newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from the League of Ireland and beyond
