Fans hit out at ‘drunk Irish’ slur by official
IRISH supporters have called on the Danish FA to apologise after a spokesman said that Danish supporters should not have to stand with “drunk Irish people”.
The comments, made by Danish FA communications manager Jakob Hoyer, have been described as “disrespectful” and “anti-Irish”.
Mr Hoyer was speaking to DR (Danish Broadcasting Corporation).
The country’s FA has also threatened to make complaints to the police in relation to the reselling of tickets.
“We see that members of the fan club resell tickets. We throw them out of the fan club and they will no longer have the opportunity to participate in the sale. We are also considering police reports,” Mr Hoyer said.
“We do not want a situation where fans are mixed.
“Danish families do not have to stand with 30 drunk Irish people. And drunk Irish people must not stand up with drunk Danes, as it opens up a risk,” he said.
His comments have been strongly criticised by travelling Irish supporters, as well as a Government politician.
Fine Gael TD Noel Rock, who has travelled to Copenhagen for tonight’s game, said the remarks were “anti-Irish” and “lazy”. The Dublin politician also called on the Danish FA to apologise for the comments.
“Mr Hoyer need only ask the citizens of France and Poland what a great influence Irish fans are, and our award from Uefa as the best fans in Euro 2016 is testament to that,” Mr Rock told the Irish Independent.
“His anti-Irish stereotype is lazy and ignorant. It’s clear that Mr Hoyer owes Irish fans a serious apology.”
Irish supporter groups have also lashed out at the comments, describing them as “disrespectful”.
A spokesman for You Boys in Green said: “Mr Hoyer should really get his own house in order. The comments are disrespectful.
“Irish fans have been around the world and we have nothing but respect for our hosts.
“We get on with every group of fans we meet when we’re abroad.”