THE IRISH FOOTBALL Association (IFA) has reversed its decision to ban the sale of Northern Ireland jerseys featuring the Remembrance Sunday poppy.
Initially the IFA had forbidden the sale of the special edition jersey, but after negotiatians with the shirt’s retailer decided to put it back on the shelves.
Speaking to the Stephen Nolan Show, the IFA confirmed that they had allowed JD Sports to put the item back into stock:
“The decision to sell the Northern Ireland shirts with the poppy was one made by JD Sports which is the Irish FA’s retail partner. They are selling Wales and Scotland shirts with poppies on them too.
“When we were made aware of the sale of the shirts we asked JD if all profits from the sale go to the Royal British Legion (RBL).
“They have agreed to that request and the shirt will be back on sale later this morning with the new charitable donation element made clear.”
However, the jersey will only be available to Northern Ireland fans, and will not be worn by the players on international duty.
The Green and White Army will instead wear black armbands for their game against Azerbaijan due to Fifa’s rules that kits must not convey political or religious messages.
UKIP politician David McNarry blasted the IFA’s decision not to wear the poppy, claiming that it was a ‘spineless decision’ not to follow England’s lead.
“What would have been the outcome if those who made the supreme sacrifice had worried about sanctions? England and Scotland have stuck by their principles and their fans,” McNarry told the Belfast Telegraph.
“The IFA has lost its backbone. This gutless stance does not represent the fans’ position.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
