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Irish boxer Paddy Barnes may have to carry a second flag to the ring if a draft plan in Europe sees the light of day. INPHO/Russell Pritchard
Missing Something?

Blue and green should never be seen?

New EU proposals could force member countries to display the Union’s flag on their sporting attire.

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.

Read more on Martin Banks report in today’s Daily Telegraph >

If you haven’t heard the European anthem, here is one of the great performances of Beethoven’s masterpiece >

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