Supporters of the Republic of Ireland football team are renowned all over the world for their good humour, sense of fun and above all else their exemplary behaviour
At World Cup finals in Italy, the USA and Korea/Japan – and European championships in Germany – those fans were applauded and welcomed wherever they went.
But in the past season or two sections of the crowd at home games have besmirched that wonderful reputation by booing visiting internationals who also happen to play for or have formerly played for Glasgow Rangers.
At first this phenomenon was simply embarrassing and many hoped that it would be a one-off. Unfortunately that was not to be.
Internationals who played for Scotland were abused, as was a Norwegian and most recently Shota Arvaladze of Georgia.
This has gone beyond embarrassment. Manager Brian Kerr saw fit to condemn the booing of Arvaladze and more recently UEFA investigated the match.
Yesterday (Friday) the Football Association of Ireland called for an end to it, saying it had led to a warning from FIFA with a ban on fans at home games being a possibility.
The best description of this nonsense is bad sportsmanship, the worst is downright sectarianism. The vast majority of those who follow the Republic do not deserve to be tarred with this brush.
Australia are the next visitors to play Brian Kerr's side and there is the possibility of a number of Rangers players turning out.
Hopefully those who booed in the past will have learned their lesson – and if they have not then perhaps all genuine Irish supporters will let them know what they think of them.
Everyone deserves a Cead Mile Failte – apart from the boo boys.
