Republic of Ireland charged by UEFA for tennis ball protest during Euro 2020 qualifying win over Georgia

Republic of Ireland charged by UEFA for tennis ball protest during Euro 2020 qualifying win over Georgia
The Republic of Ireland have been charged by UEFA after protesting supporters threw tennis balls on to the Aviva Stadium pitch during a Euro 2020 qualifier.The incident happened in the 33rd minute of their victory over Georgia in Dublin on Tuesday night as fans vented their discontent at outgoing Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.3

Ireland fans staged a protest at Delaney during the match at the Aviva Stadium

Returning Ireland manager Mick McCarthy had earlier urged supporters not to risk breaking his team’s concentration by their actions after reports of the planned demonstration emerged.And although that did not appear to happen, Ireland now face disciplinary action from the game’s European governing body.A UEFA statement said: “Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the European Qualifiers Group D match between Republic of Ireland and Georgia (1-0), played on March 26.“Charges against Republic of Ireland: Throwing of objects – Art. 16 (2) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. “The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary on May 16.”The incident happened 33 minutes into the game, an apparent reference to Delaney’s request that the Republic be admitted to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa as the 33rd team after they were denied a place by Thierry Henry’s handball in their play-off clash with France.Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk had stopped play to caution Georgia defender Guram Kashia for a foul on striker David McGoldrick when dozens of tennis balls were thrown from the stands.3

Ireland defender Richard Keogh picks up some of the excess tennis balls

There was an interruption of several minutes while the objects were cleared from the playing surface and when the action resumed, Conor Hourihane curled the resulting free-kick past goalkeeper Giorgi Loria to score the decisive goal.McCarthy was relaxed about the protest after the game with his side sitting top of the group with maximum points from their opening two fixtures, but several players admitted they had not witnessed anything like it before.3

Ireland won the game 1-0 thanks to Conor Hourihane’s free-kick

Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan said with a smile: “Listen, it was probably bad timing. In saying that now, Conor has gone on to score, so the next time we get a free-kick, hopefully they’ve all got their tennis balls.”He added: “The fans are disgruntled, they have a right to protest whatever way they want. We can only worry about what happens on the pitch.”Delaney’s 14-year reign as chief executive drew to a close on Saturday evening when, amid newspaper reports surrounding a 100,000 euros bridging loan he made to the FAI, it was announced he was to leave his existing role to take up the newly-created position of executive vice-president.

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The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been charged by UEFA after fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch during a Euro 2020 qualifier. Tuesday's game between Republic of Ireland and Georgia in Dublin was paused for a short period during the first half due to the protest.
UEFA charge Ireland over tennis ball protest - Euro

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The Republic of Ireland have been charged by UEFA after tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia. Fans protesting against controversial former

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Uefa has opened disciplinary action against the Football Association of Ireland for the protest that took place during Tuesday's Euro 2020 qualifier. The Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Georgia
Republic of Ireland charged by UEFA over tennis ball protest

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UEFA has charged the Republic of Ireland over a tennis ball protest by some fans during a game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin earlier this week. It happened during the Euro 2020 qualifier against
Republic of Ireland charged over tennis-ball protests - Sportstar

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UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Ireland after supporters hurled tennis balls onto the field during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia.
Republic of Ireland charged following tennis ball protest

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Republic of Ireland charged by UEFA for tennis ball protest

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Republic of Ireland hit with Uefa charge over tennis ball protest Supporters threw tennis balls onto the Aviva Stadium pitch during the game against Georgia on Tuesday.
Euro 2020 qualifiers: Football Association of Ireland charged

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Republic of Ireland charged by UEFA over tennis ball protest during 1-0 win over Georgia. Irish fans vented their anger at outgoing FAI chief executive John Delaney by throwing tennis balls onto
FAI charged by Uefa for tennis ball protest in win over Georgia

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The Republic of Ireland have been hit with a UEFA charge after protesting spectators threw tennis balls on to the pitch during their Euro 2020 qualifier victory over Georgia.
Republic of Ireland hit with Uefa charge over tennis ball protest

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The Republic of Ireland have been charged by UEFA after protesting supporters threw tennis balls on to the Aviva Stadium pitch during a Euro 2020 qualifier. The incident happened in the 33rd
UEFA charge Republic of Ireland over tennis-ball protest

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The Republic of Ireland have been charged by Uefa after tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia. Fans protesting against controversial former
UEFA charges Ireland over tennis ball protest during Georgia