As England took on the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener, all eyes were on Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who both started against their former country. However, the two players faced a hostile reception from the Irish fans throughout the match, with jeers starting even before kick-off and a memorable poster in the crowd dubbing them "snakes". The contentious atmosphere was further fueled by interim manager Lee Carsley, who made headlines by not singing the national anthem and barely being audible over the jeers. For Rice, who had previously represented Ireland at both youth and senior levels, this was yet another chapter in his complex international career.
Background:
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish are English professional footballers who have both represented both the Republic of Ireland and England at international level. Rice, who was born in England to Irish parents, switched allegiance to England in 2019 after previously playing for Ireland's youth and senior teams. Grealish, on the other hand, played for Ireland at underage level before opting to represent England's senior team in 2016.
Nations League Opener:
On June 4, 2023, England and the Republic of Ireland faced off in their Nations League opener at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Rice and Grealish both started the match for England, becoming the first players since Lee Carsley in 2006 to represent a different nation against the country they previously played for.
Hostile Atmosphere:
The match was marred by a hostile atmosphere from the Irish fans, who booed and jeered Rice and Grealish throughout the game. A large banner in the crowd read "Snakes," referring to the players' decision to switch international allegiances. Interim Ireland manager Lee Carsley also sparked controversy by not singing the Irish national anthem and appearing to make a derogatory gesture toward the crowd.
Reaction:
Both Rice and Grealish seemed visibly affected by the reception they received. Rice, in particular, was seen wiping away tears during the Irish national anthem. However, they both remained professional throughout the match, with Grealish scoring England's opening goal in an eventual 3-0 victory.
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