Savage speaks out at lack of British National Anthem at Ravenhill for Italy match
Upper Bann Ulster Unionist Assembly Member George Savage MLA today spoke out after hearing that the British National Anthem will not be played at Ravenhill when Ireland play Italy. Speaking today, George said:
“I was disgusted to find out that on Friday night at Ravenhill the only National Anthem to be played will be that of the Italians. This is unacceptable. Under the Belfast Agreement’s ‘Parity of Esteem’ principle, I understand that culture and another nation’s emblems and anthem should be respected.”
“When Ireland play in Dublin I agree that the Irish National Anthem should be played as the match is being played in the Capital City of the Irish Republic and I am sure that supporters from Northern Ireland do not take issue with that. When Ireland play away only Ireland’s Call is played and that, I believe, is fair right and proper.”
“However, when Ireland play in Belfast, only Ireland’s Call will be played. I believe this will be a great insult to Ireland players who come from Ulster that the anthem of their country will not be played when Ireland play at Ravenhill. Furthermore, I am astonished that the IRFU gave Ulster Branch no choice – International match and no God Save The Queen or no match at all. This is utterly disgraceful.”
“I trust that the IRFU and Ulster Branch will re-think this decision seriously before they alienate a vast number of their fan base. I have written to the IRFU and Ulster Branch to put on record my disgust.”