Mitchell defiant over football comments in radio clash with SF

BROADCASTER Frank Mitchell says the best footballers in Northern Ireland should play for the country, regardless of religion or cultural background as his row with Sinn Fein over international selection continued.

The U105 presenter was speaking after Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill claimed the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was only approaching players from a nationalist background. This claim has been dismissed by Republic manager Martin O’Neill.

Yesterday, Mr Mitchell said: “I support Northern Ireland and have no interest in being impartial when it comes to Northern Ireland. I only want the best for Northern Ireland” he said.

Mr Mitchell also said how in the past the Windsor Park was a “cold place for someone from a Catholic background”.

“I saw chanting and was disgusted but I loved the football and still went,” he said.

“There has been an amazing amount of award-winning progress made to make it a family occasion and encourage people to come.”

Mr Mitchell (below) ignited a war of words after he urged teenage stars to declare for Northern Ireland rather than the Republic.

Former Sinn Fein senator O Donnghaile claimed the broadcaster had adopted “a partisan position running contrary to the Good Friday Agreement,” in a tweet over the weekend.

After clashes on social media the pair went head-to-head on Mr Mitchell’s show yesterday.

Mr O Donnghaile (right) said young players should be free to choose which team they play for.

He said: “It shouldn’t be an issue, that’s why so many people were surprised, shocked and offended by Michael O’Neill’s comments last week.”

Mr Mitchell said players were free to choose which team they play for, but as a fan he wanted the best players for Northern Ireland.

“At no point would I suggest it wouldn’t be appropriate for players from Northern Ireland to play for the Republic of Ireland. I am issuing the warmest of invitations for youngsters to play for the team I support,” he said.

Mr O Donnghaile said he felt the “best solution” would be for an all-Ireland football team. “Ireland works best when it works together as proved on the rugby pitch,” he said.

Mr Mitchell asked Mr O Donnghaile if playing for Northern Ireland made Paddy McCourt or Niall McGinn any less Irish.

“I’ve met Niall McGinn and that’s not my view,” he replied.

“They shouldn’t be subjected to Michael O’Neill’s comments. They were ill-tempered and poorly considered.”