Green army sees red as thousands prepare for protest march
A sign, erected by an Irish newspaper, on a lamp post outside Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium which Thierry had to pass by on his way into the ground
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Saturday November 21 2009
THOUSANDS of soccer fans are expected to descend on Dublin today to protest against FIFA's decision to rule out a rematch between Ireland and France.
The 'Fair Play = Replay Protest March' is being organised by the internet group, 'Petition to have Ireland vs France replayed', which has over 250,000 members on Facebook.
Kevin Storrs (24), who set up the Facebook page, said the number of fans who joined "ballooned overnight".
Protesters will meet at the dart crossing on Lansdowne Road at 2pm.
They will travel to Shelbourne Road and then on to Merrion Road, finally marching to the French Embassy at Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge.
But last night the gardai insisted they had not received any information about the protest from its organisers and as a result they could not organise any traffic management plan.
"I'd say we'll get a good turnout. People are annoyed at what happened so the very least we can do is embarrass FIFA into changing the regulations in the future," Mr Storrs said.
"It will be a peaceful protest and a family day out -- we're encouraging people to wear green and bring flags and banners," he told the Irish Independent.
Yesterday up to 40 people protested at the French Embassy to show their disapproval of FIFA's decision.
Pressure
Organiser Bernard Clyne (65), from Foxrock, south Dublin, said: "We're hoping we can change the minds of the French government to put pressure on FIFA to give us a rematch.
"We want to let the team know we're behind them. They gave their heart and soul on Wednesday and we need to come out and support them," he said.
Passing motorists beeped to show their support and Dustin the Turkey made an appearance to give his thoughts on the game.
Clutching an Irish flag and megaphone, Mr Clyne shouted: "What do we want? Justice. We want a replay. The Irish team deserve it."
Robert Lynam (19), from Perrystown in Dublin, said: "It's an absolute disgrace France got away with it and nothing is being done. I came here to make a stand."
"We could be in the World Cup. We deserve a replay," said Shane Morgan (19), from Rathfarnham, Dublin; while painter Eamon O'Brien, from Wicklow, added: "You wouldn't see football like that in Croke Park."
Brian O'Carroll (22), from Rathfarnham, who was at the match in Paris, said he was "boycotting any Gillette products or anything affiliated to Thierry Henry".
- Denise Clarke and Patricia McDonagh
Irish Independent
