ONE OF THE concepts of international sport has been to evoke sentiments of fervent national identity – but that might all be about to change.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the European Parliament is to unveil draft legislation aimed at displaying the EU flag (yellow stars on a blue background) at international matches and on a country’s sporting attire.
Martin Banks writes that the proposals are being pushed through the European Commission by – of all political backgrounds – a centre-right Spanish MEP, Santiago Fisas Ayxela.
Confusing as it is for many to hear two Irish anthems at an international rugby match at the Aviva, a third – Beethoven’s Ode to Joy – would not be a bit Irish, but a bit European.