FAI SHOULD SHOW A REAL BIT OF BALLS..

Ex-Ireland boss Kerr says boycott Israel game over assault on Gaza

- BY ROBERT HYNES

BRIAN Kerr is urging the FAI to demonstrate “balls” and refuse to play Israel in the UEFA Nations League later this year.

The Republic of Ireland have been placed in the same group as Israel, prompting from sporting and political figures to call on bosses to boycott the fixtures.

But the association swiftly confirmed after Thursday's draw that they would be honouring the scheduled matches.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin also stated the games “should go ahead” and that the FAI has taken the correct stance.

However, former Ireland manager Brian Kerr strongly opposes both the FAI's position and the Fianna Fail leader's view, urging them to think again, reports the Irish Mirror.

He told Virgin Media: "In the situation they're in now with this draw, I think they [the FAI] could show a real bit of - if I could use a colloquialism - a real bit of balls and refuse to play Israel.