Simon & Martin DEBATE Whether Politics and Football Should Mix Amid Isreal and Palestine Conflict 🤔

[@Mike-dk7wj]

One man dies in the USA and British football is imprisoned with taking the knee. Should be ended immediately.

[@ymca4547]

Died of a drug overdose no less!

[@johnmulderrig3234]

Career criminal who pistol whipped a pregnant woman while robbing her home no loss

[@geeman4041]

Virtue signaling will be back soon.. taking the knee ffs.. most footballers are so dense they just go along what the other millionaires tell them to do

[@Mike-dk7wj]

​@@johnmulderrig3234Exactly

[@phoenixreborn6065]

@@johnmulderrig3234 Who is held up as some martyr just because he's black.

[@kevinrowland4657]

Simon. The poppy was for WW2, yes, but it was also for the British Army presence in the north of Ireland, which many people there opposed. So it isn’t a fair comparison

[@caitlinbrennan9039]

This is very true

[@FortValance]

The poppy is for WW1 not WW2.

[@maitiu6802]

The thing in Britain is they don’t like to talk about their plundering, dividing, terrorising! Nothing to see here. Britain along with America are also providing weapons to another terrorist state, Israel!

[@maitiu6802]

⁠@@FortValance Not true! All active service men & women up to present !

[@robertgeorgemiller278]

Flanders 1919.

[@Patrick-sheen]

In Ireland back during the troubles all sides came together for the rugby. It was the only thing where people could escape everything that was going, and try to enjoy a day out for what it was. Later rugby became an important force for greater understanding, and standing back from the politics was what allowed it to be so effective. Politics is highly complex but sport, without politics, allows us to see each other’s humanity.

[@acidtwin]

Truth, put beautifully.

[@mnemonija]

So, bring back Russia?

[@David-vd8jy]

@@mnemonija you can't bring back invaders who try to oppress there neighbours we fought a war against Nazi's that did this

[@barry4649]

@@David-vd8jywhat’s the difference between Russia toward Ukraine vs Unionist Northern Ireland vs Catholics in the years leading up to the Troubles kicking off?

[@Alex-lc7v]

Excellent point well put. Lest we forget the Christmas day armistice too.

[@pak_number1481]

Simon is a bloody hypocrite 😂 on one hand he is happy for football and sport to support the queen's death but not others very selective well done 👏

[@mitchellhinkley4896]

I am not someone who supports the monarchy. But that person was the figure head of Britain. The national anthem is about the monarchy. You can completely understand it. Conflicts elsewhere all over the globe are sad but what do they have to do with us? He isn’t a hypocrite.

[@rsamancunian5609]

Simon is against agendas not patriotism.

[@QuentinMajor]

Queen's death wasn't a political cause. Nice try, though, pinko.

[@o̸ණ]

@@mitchellhinkley4896 What do u mean what do they have to do with us?! The UK is directly complicit in the divisions in the Middle East, are you crazy?! Together with France, carving up the Middle East without respecting their culture and land all in the name of resource extraction to the Balfour Declaration that has laid the template for what is going on in occupied Palestine to this present day

[@rodmitchell8576]

How rude to call Hungary a backward country. They are just protecting their children.

[@Lithiumwater]

They are not your children, this is what parents are being told in 2023 if you take a stance. And they will drag them away from you.

[@thisdrinkinglife]

​@tevildo45 have you seen london 😅

[@michelcharron4633]

An absolutely ridiculous comment from White.

[@SteviePeters-x3u]

@@michelcharron4633what is wrong being white?

[@michelcharron4633]

@@SteviePeters-x3u What are you gibbering about?

[@MyPortsmouth]

I met James Mcclean once in a hotel and thanked him for supporting Palestine 🇵🇸 He’s such an honest and loyal man

[@ononewheellad]

😂😂😂

[@tedjovel1876]

Lelelelele allah akbarrr 💣

[@zaahidsader1550]

If the rest of the world lights up their football stadiums for the atrocities committed by the British against them. The stadiums will be lit permanently

[@danielbate13]

If you feel that strongly don't live here and take all the good stuff....oh wait.....🤡

[@DaveSmith-bg2jh]

​@@danielbate13in comparison to British atrocities Hamas looks like Santa Claus 😂

[@saeidbinhossain2524]

​@@DaveSmith-bg2jhmore importantly compared to the atrocities committed by I.... States,Hamas do surely look like a child.

[@danielbate13]

@DaveSmith-bg2jh yeah OK 🙄

[@MrMoneyLong]

@@danielbate13UK is a poor country. Keep being deluded it has any more influence, you will soon find out.

[@abubakariabdul-wasir7976]

Football has taken sides in world football already because I don't see how the world condemn and ban Russia from football activities and remain silent on the decades long attrocities committed against Palestine

[@o̸ණ]

NATO intentionally and strategically encroached eastwards towards Russia's borders by selling NATO membership to the surrounding countries under the guise of economic integration after repeated warnings over decades that Russia would react to such provocation at some point

[@kw7142]

Yeah because Palestine haven't done nothing

[@abubakariabdul-wasir7976]

@@kw7142 You seem so ignorant about football because haven't seen israel done anything in football except making up numbers

[@kw7142]

@@abubakariabdul-wasir7976 didn't hamas just kill over 1500 jews?

[@rhysmcgreal8786]

Martin O'Neill what a legend ❤ First seen him at my home club Leicester. Then for my birthday euro qualifiers for Ireland vs Germany 8 years ago and pulls off a 1-0 win shane long!

[@matthewdoyle3877]

You can tell Jordan has so much more respect for him than keown and Murphy put together

[@raimesey]

You should either allow all politics or no politics. The reason why the authorities are sweating now is because they opened the floodgates but now they’re getting cold feet. Cowards, the lot of them!

[@MrRiz157]

Yes double standards

[@olbapoli4074]

Definitely...they allowed the massive and constant pro Ukraine stuff.

[@hughiemg2]

Ironically James McClean could teach Jordan Henderson about standing by your convictions in the face of personal sacrifice...

[@andypandy4607]

That's true. While I disagree with McClean, he certainly stuck to what he believed in

[@suffern63]

Yes,wearing his balaclava I know he stood with the murderers

[@SuperGrimupnorth]

Ya think

[@kevinkilbane2007]

​@suffern63 yes mcclean is not the brightest, and should not be working and living in the country if he feels so strongly. But the british army killed civilians in the city james is from. The poppy doesn't just represent the british army from the two world wars like Simon says. And for britain to make everyone wear a poppy over the next few weeks, and whomever doesn't will get abuse, is a joke. Why not have freedom of choice? What about in years to come if everyone had to wear other symbols for a week at a time? You have to wear a rainbow flag pin on your collar, or you won't get any job in the civil service? Madness.

[@abc-oq7dt]

​@@suffern63The british government announced it wont be prosecuting their own soldiers who commited war crimes son. Dont be soo naive

[@stephengriffith7066]

Simon being the ulimate hypocrite here ... I'd hoped for more from him.

[@danielbate13]

Your angry with him because he's criticised your club recently I'd say, get a grip and grow up.

[@stephengriffith7066]

Whats my club ? You obviously don't understand the conversation .. thats ok ... ignorance is bliss

[@danielbate13]

@stephengriffith7066 I just get the feeling this is the case, I think this because I know how childish football fans can be

[@danielbate13]

@stephengriffith7066 can you explain how you've come to the conclusion he's being a hypocrite? You sound like those lefties in America calling Trump WAYCIST.

[@stephengriffith7066]

@@danielbate13 You leave the thinking to the experts mate .. Have a great day.

[@alastairbell7084]

The Poppy appeal and kneeing at games is to late to be getting on someone’s high ground and now suggesting the rest is going to far!!! You cannot start picking and choosing what’s acceptable and what’s not due to one’s belief of personal preference! If so get rid of the poppy appeal and stop taking a knee at games! Take it all out or you cannot pick and choose!

[@kba6895]

Perfect absolutely perfect comment could not have put it better myself.

[@somedude0923]

Sport and Politics are intrinsically intertwined and always have been.... Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Croke Park 1920, Rangers no Catholic policy... the list goes on! People only complain about Politics in Sport only when it is Politics they do not agree with. Simon and his Poppies stance is a microcosm of this.....

[@MFC343]

did every club have a "no catholic policy" or just one club?

[@somedude0923]

@@MFC343 Just one that I’m aware of…

[@michelcharron4633]

@@somedude0923 Any 'no Catholics' policy at ibrox was un official of course, and not official club policy. It was repugnant nonetheless, as would be any discriminatory policy of that nature. I think it would be fair to point out that with the signing of Maurice Johnston in 1989 some 34 years ago, that practice was brought to an end. There had been Catholics playing for Rangers prior to that, but Johnston's signing was the high profile signing that ended the unofficial practice. Since then dozens of Catholics have played for Rangers, some have captained the club, to the point where very possibly the majority of the first team squad are Catholic. It is a common sight to see these players make the sign of the cross as they take the field. Nobody bats an eyelid, and that's how it should be.

[@somedude0923]

Yes indeed it was an unofficial policy, however as you know it may as well of been official. Great to see things change for the better. @@michelcharron4633

[@HdHd-hp6qz]

For what is right. Standing up against racism isn’t a hard thing to do. It’s about morals. With Isreal and Palestine that’s a complete different thing. It involves religion.

[@j25560]

Abromovich lost a football club cause he was on the wrong side of politics.

[@alexjwb88]

Sure, certainly not because he was using Chelsea FC to launder Russia's dirty money. Right...

[@registame2878]

Wrong side 😂😂😂😂

[@mnemonija]

to be fair, he first gained a football club for the same reason.

[@addounsamiyoucef1999]

he didnt lose it for being israeli

[@donkarleone9329]

The poppy has a very different feel to it? Yes Simon, for someone with your background and your world view whish is very different to James? Other people in Ireland and other counties similarly affected. Silly view and goes against everything else you've said.

[@nickchivers9029]

We're talking about English football, remembrance day is not in any way political its simply a tradition. I don't care what Irish think about it.

[@kevinkilbane2007]

​@@nickchivers9029but it wasn't always a tradition for football. The poppy on the jersey since 2012.

[@timclancy6012]

​@@nickchivers9029that is absolutely fine opinion to have, so if everyone thought like you it would be great. But James McClean has taken nothing but abuse for not wearing the poppy. So it's obviously a lot of people do care what an Irishman thinks.

[@omarsiddiqui9224]

"James Mclean has more courage in his little finger than others in their whole body" - powerful 👏🏾

[@RUDDYHELL2014]

Agreed 👏 Wave a bag of money infront of pundits/footballers these days and they'll disown their own children

[@David-vd8jy]

I thought the riot in Dublin was more powerful no surrender

[@danielbate13]

​@RUDDYHELL2014 you don't think McClean wouldn't if he was offered enough money?

[@omarsiddiqui9224]

@@danielbate13 I think he's demonstrated that he is willing to face consequences to his reputation to stand up for what he believes. Regardless of whether we agree with his political stance, gotta respect his courage.

[@danielbate13]

@omarsiddiqui9224 ok, I do respect that to be honest, I think you are right.

[@WISDOMBITES1]

O'Neill - Politics and sport should be kept apart and then says Israel has a right to defend itself.Either say it and believe it or don't make any points.He needs a history lesson - He doesn't realise it but is saying that a thief is allowed to steal and if the rightful owner tries to take back what is rightfully his then the Thief has a right to retaliate! Honestly couldn't make up the poor level of pundits and so called great managers.All bloody idiots with the worst being Agbonlahor but everyone knows there is a big list of them.

[@John-ol4eo]

As an O'Neill he definitely needs a history lesson. Im not sayinh im related but our ancestors got some really rough treatment from the English/british. And fought them for over 800 years. Israels only 70 odd years old... founded by terrorist murderers

[@Steve-390]

Football and politics have mixed from the beginning of time when the game became prominent in society. It's only a problem when the politics being discussed is not liked by people. Sports for sports seek is lie only in the parks. Sports is always somehow a reflection of society.

[@Steve-390]

@@Dead-Ball-Situation Politics will always be divisive, I'm not saying it's wrong or right but acting as if football has ever been sports for sports seek is crazy.

[@biggiesmalls3096]

Exactly

[@LambofGodKnock]

Politics have no place in sports. The reason people watch sports is to escape politics.

[@BridgeStamford]

Sport on the world stage can’t simply ignore what’s going on in the world. It’s ridiculous to think it could

[@daveblackwell8463]

Pandora’s box has been opened since the kneeling, not a lot we can do now

[@vincentmcnabb939]

The left brings politics into everything.

[@themoststupidpersonwhoever4891]

​@@MW92.that also support your team

[@BadstreetMI]

Simon is such an elitist. His basic message is for athletes and working class people to shut up, and never use the avenues available to them to express political values and opinions. Just be a good plebeian, and let the elites continue to make life more difficult for average working people without any challenge at all. Also ironic that people pretend now that Muhammad Ali was super popular in real-time during his exile. He was crapped all over for his politics at the time. He became beloved much later, 10-15 years later, once history had bore out that he was right, and not the elites like Simon who wanted him to shut up. Now, I don't need every dolt with a bad idea out there running their mouths, and revealing themselves to be halfwits. But smart, informed athletes and working class people have every right to use the avenues available to speak their mind, and change hearts. That's how public consensus for positive change is built.

[@ryanmcmullan9157]

Simon Jordan showing the typical British bias and ignorance to history when discussing the blood stained poppy

[@ArgHelo]

Simon Jordan seems to not quite grasp WW1. The idea it was somehow a war of liberation is absurd. I support the poppy and remembrance day in football but let's not besmirch the dead by pretending that war wasn't just Great Power rivalry.

[@ryanflood635]

What we should be asking is why is this question only coming up now. For years in all sports we are force fed politics. But all of a sudden when it’s Israel. Now you want to stop doing it lol.

[@ethanMonoP]

Because Isreal/Palestine is such a polarising subject. For good reason

[@richardfox6595]

@@ethanMonoP Yes, you either support beheading babies or you don't. We still want this stuff kept out of sport.

[@siyabongasiyo1270]

Simon is contradicting himself here, wasn’t he or still is opinionated about the Saudis or Arab nations buying English teams. And one should ask themselves why is he against that? The is a political issue here, he is the one who was criticising the Arab nations about human rights especially the ones that are buying English teams.

[@stevenicol1]

Because state ownership of clubs is unfair because of their massive wealth, I presume.

[@dantethearab796]

I’d like to think it’s about state ownership and not other prejudices

[@iconoclast2679]

The poppy was never anything to do with freedom, what rot. Jordan needs to get out of his echo chamber and read some books.

[@thehealinggame]

Politics or football. Well I'm a Liverpool fan and I don't want a country, murdering dictator, hedge fund, asset stripper or plastic businessman to run the club ive loved and supported for over 60yrs. I don't care if we don't win the league again. Basic humanity trumps sport every time in my view.

[@Drenwickification]

Sport is about bringing people together and politics divides people. The more politics is kept out of all sport, the better.

[@marywilson8119]

Don't talk bs

[@marywilson8119]

So all those videos of football supporters fighting every week isthem coming together, you're living I'm a fantasy world.

[@Drenwickification]

@@marywilson8119 mate in 99% of cases that's friendly rivalry... of course you get a few tosspots who want a fight but if you think they're the majority then i'm sorry you have such a toxic experience of sport. At the sunderland games I go to people are friendly in the crowd and you get talk to random strangers... what other situations does that happen these days really?

[@marywilson8119]

@@Drenwickification sure it is.

[@marywilson8119]

@@Drenwickificationtype in Sunderland fans fighting .

[@farhansa4546]

Football should not be used as a political tool. I hope one day a Palestine national team can play an Israel national team in a competitive game. No issues. Football brings people together. Don't need to project flags on top of stadiums to send a message on an ongoing war. Well done to the FA for resisting. Keeps all supporters calm and not feeling politicised while watching the game. The discussion on here is very insightful

[@ajc1482]

Unfortunately it also shows double standards, of anything they could have lit the arch with a half Israel and half Palestinian flag.

[@matthewdoyle3877]

Agree. Like taking the knee before game, leave politics out of football

[@MarkSummers-f5q]

Watching the Rugby and Cricket world cups with no politics has been a joy. Football is a joke

[@TRUc972]

There is politics in the cricket as men who play for men’s teams can’t be referred to as men when they bat. It was decreed they have to be referred to as ‘batters’ instead of batsmen. By telling men they can’t be called men when they bat is to be ‘inclusive’ except it’s not inclusive to men. Also note ‘man of the match / series’ has been replaced with ‘player of the match / series’ to once again remove the term ‘man’ from mens sports.

[@onefromthemodem]

No politics?? Rugby had the same minute's silence and similar statements to the FA and cricket??? Are you honestly saying there's no politics in cricket? Out of the 132,000 fans - at a stadium named after the current prime minister no less - there were about 131,998 India fans and 2 Pakistan fans. Because of politics! Indeed press from Pakistan have struggled to get accreditation too. There is politics in everything: including your statement and most definitely in the other reply.

[@onefromthemodem]

​@@TRUc972I'm also not even sure it's true: batter and batsman are interchangeable in the laws of the game. Maybe it's a case of the Persondela Effect?

[@TRUc972]

@@onefromthemodem it’s called political correctness for a reason

[@onefromthemodem]

@@TRUc972 batter and batsman were interchangeable in the laws since 19th century, batter was the older term. The batsman is the only gendered term (although I appreciate some people call fielders: fieldsmen) and batter is obviously inclusive (as is player) in the same way bowler and wicketkeeper are - men are not being excluded by. I really don't understand your, and others', issue. For me it is fake outrage, nobody has a go at anyone for using batsman, but what on earth is wrong with batter?

[@nyakwargari]

Football should not get involved in politics , football is a global sport that "unite" fans across the globe … for example the English team or Arsenal has fans across the world , the political opinions of these fans are as diverse as their cultures , language an values … Any political issue is divisive at best … And taking a position on political geo political issues bring resentment instead of joy to football fans across the world when a football team or association that has global following takes a stance on Geo Politics ... Football should not lose it's place as a source of joy to all fans across the world , at all times ... It should simply be the "BEAUTIFUL GAME" for all

[@abubakariabdul-wasir7976]

Unfortunately football has already taken sides in politics because we see football community reaction to Russian invation of Ukraine and their SILENCE on the decades long crimes against Palestine

[@mkfge7]

Simon always says it’s not about the politics. He doesn’t feel it’s competitively fair for “nation states” to own football clubs.

[@themoststupidpersonwhoever4891]

Well said people are not just one thing

[@Chris-rl9on]

Simon Jordan loses his argument when he says the poppy is fine but nothing else

[@azprego]

Celtic fans the most standup fans in the world. Respect

[@anthonyo.6084]

As well as Liverpool fans YNWA.

[@azprego]

@@anthonyo.6084 👊

[@KarkadeKarkade13]

Wilful ignorance from Irish Martin to not recognise Palestinian liberation as an injusice which requires all of our support. Equally, Simon literally using the phrase of people's liberation talking about world war 2, realising it's applicable for Palestine (as you can see in his face), then making the point it was liberation for the world? The palestinians are part of our world and they deserve our support. Shameful that you do your research on football topics which relative to this are insignificant but failing to do so with a clear injustice. Shocking and every talksport fan should condemn for this.

[@nickchivers9029]

I agree the Palestinians should be liberated from their oppressors. Down with Hamas.

[@h.m.201]

They where already oppressed before hamas, stop with the excuses.

[@nickchivers9029]

@@tevildo45 Ahmed Yassin created Hamas, decent keeper, career cut short by injuries and a missile to the face. Shame, couldve been the next Buffon.

[@tommyhughes2264]

To say sport has to distance itself from what's going on in the world today is i'am afraid for the birds.

[@StoutProper]

For a start, tons of football clubs are owned and international tournaments are hosted in order for political sports washing, so the idea that football is separated from politics is a joke

[@cunniffe42]

Ok, so should they have lit the arch up in blue and white

[@RedBrigades]

​@@cunniffe42Flag of Israel and of Palestine. Happy? Someone wont be😂

[@abubakariabdul-wasir7976]

Politics is already embedded into football because you can't ban Russia for their attack on Ukraine and kept mute on israeli decades long attacks and suppression of the Palestinian people

[@GamerFrisco]

Sport is sport. Its a getaway.

[@Aaron-zh7qm]

So Simon is fine with the politics that HE is comfortable with, just like everyone else

[@marywilson8119]

Exactly what a hypocrite, typical establishment bs.

[@ajc1482]

I think you'll find everyone is a hypocrite under the right circumstances.

[@eoliver437]

Sport IS political!! What naive comments by Jordan. Germans dont see the poppy as 'neutral'!

[@pauldocherty403]

Simon cant be taken seriously when he is happy to see the poppy in sport and Royal family getting sung about. He wants to choose his political issues

[@nickchivers9029]

The poppy has nothing to do with politics it's literally just a public holiday decoration to remember fallen soldiers, it doesn't promote any political agenda.

[@LeeH688]

Right wing conservatives don’t see their beliefs as poltical. Their authoritarian belief is that their beliefs are just the norm and every other belief is deviant and politicising. The amount of soldiers noncing around football matches the last couple decades has been nauseating and it’s even worse in the US.

[@stevensarson482]

A good example would be Old Trafford during the Troubles. It was a place where people from N Ireland could set aside their differences with Catholics and Protestants enjoying the game together. What better way is there for the game to impact upon such issues. More recently the two seats to the left of me were occupied by a father and son from Scotland. Asking him why he drove down every other week, the father explained to me that he didn’t want his son caught up in the sectarianism that is Celtic and Rangers. If soldiers during a world war can take time out to share a game of football , surely we can manage to do the same, without all this posturing.

[@joebidenshandler2149]

Disgusting how divided and conquered we all are by our governments I blamed the catholic school system in Glasgow for a lot of division there. Separation of kids at a young age solely because of religion is vile 🤮

[@joebidenshandler2149]

@@aidygooner how do you know I’m not a catholic who’s disgusted by the way we are separated

[@Photosoflife]

Sports and politics have always been deeply connected. Anyone pretending otherwise is being naive or disingenuous.

[@azh-mf5uc]

Talksport Why didn't you ask that question when Ukraine was supported over Russia.

[@barrymanley4975]

O Neill should have gone full barrel on Jordan about the poppy, which stands for imperialism and the murder of innocent citizens in his native city of Derry

[@nickchivers9029]

No it doesn't stop the cope. It's a symbol for remembering our fallen soldiers, it is not a political statement.

[@kevinkilbane2007]

​@@nickchivers9029and Some of those fallen soldiers are responsible for war crimes.

[@johnpower29]

Sport and politics have always been intertwined. It's not a recent phenomenon

[@JWalkerBhoy]

Simon Jordan again trying to belittle people for standing up for what they believe in. You dont know what James McClean has been through, his family and friends. We know what we're talking about here and its all coming out now. Tiofaidh ar la.

[@InkyBizzo]

I completely disagree with the points made by both here including their arguments. Football fans and players don’t live in a vacuum. Politics is part of all our lives. Martin O’Neill parroting the media line there and completely ignoring the suffering of the Palestinian people who continue to live in dire conditions and die in much greater numbers in every conflict. They are living under apartheid. South Africa was banned from international sport. Russia has been banned for invading Ukraine. We cannot and must not apply different standards when it comes to the Palestinians

[@wolfcrewe7474]

Simon needs to do some history lessons, it isn’t as black and white as he’s just described it.

[@vader745]

you clearly didnt listen to him very well, maybe clear your ears out

[@wolfcrewe7474]

@@vader745 I listened to every word he said, and he’s talking nonsense. Supports Ukraine, that tells you all you need to know.

[@nickchivers9029]

​@@wolfcrewe7474 ah so you just don't like his politics, got it.

[@wolfcrewe7474]

@@nickchivers9029 because they are nonsense that’s why. It’s basically the media narrative every time.

[@shamrockballs1066]

Simon Jordan "Politics shouldnt be in sport" - unless its politics he believes in, like the poppy and the British army presence in Ireland, then its ok and any other country his crown forces invaded and occupied. Hypocrite.

[@grndouwn7338]

pretty much

[@HIGHLANDER555]

Martin knows all about sectarian discrimination; that man has seen some very ugly things.

[@maitiu6802]

The wearing of a poppy is political! That’s a fact, not opinion!

[@saeedkarim4089]

its funny how all of the western world back ukrainian nazis and israeli zionist apartheid but when it comes to palestinians its such an issue to back the opressed.....pure double standards

[@RSSP2000]

If you're offended or made uncomfortable by people supporting human rights causes at football matches it's a you problem

[@nickchivers9029]

If you're offended by people who just want to watch football that's a you problem.

[@RSSP2000]

@nickchivers9029 good thing stadiums lighting up in rainbow colors and people waving flags in the stands doesn't stop anyone from watching a match

[@RUDDYHELL2014]

Too many eyes to miss an opportunity to force a political ideology down our throats...

[@TonyEgg93]

There's no getting away from it. So sick of it.

[@TonyEgg93]

@@BristolMatt exactly man. I want to enjoy the match and be focused on it, not some message someone's ramming down my throat. I watch the news for that.

[@115ffpfcandthephantomtreble]

Dry your eyes mate 🤣

[@ethanMonoP]

Sport should only interfere with a political issue when the issue is relevant to the sport ie. football and racism. When the issue has no relevance to the sport, it should stay out of it.

[@buzzlopavich]

Would love to see Simon Jordan go back and tell Tommie Smith and John Carlos to not raise their fists in 1968 as it was "too political". football is political, because the people in the stands are working class people who do not have another voice, so they use their numbers to project a voice into the largest (and only) stage that they have.

[@StoutProper]

He didn’t complain when the Ukrainian flag was getting raised at football grounds all over the country and the players were taking a knee for Ukraine and having a minutes silence for Ukraine either, never mind all the other politics that football is used for.

[@StoutProper]

@@Dead-Ball-Situationwhat organisation? And football authorities do stop players and managers visibly supporting political causes. Guardiola got fined and a touchline ban for wearing a tiny yellow ribbon.

[@joepiekl]

Personally, I think there's a difference between things that are directly related to football, and things that are about wider society and political issues. Things like taking the knee and rainbow laces are explicitly about dealing with racism and homophobia in the game itself and among the fanbase. And then with things like Ukraine, I get that when you have players from those countries, their clubs and teammates would like to show support. I think if England were playing Israel this week, then it'd be appropriate to light up the arch in remembrance, like they did when France suffered a similar attack. But if you do it for this, then where do you draw the line? There's always going to be some tragedy or attack somewhere in the world that we could commemorate. No-one has ever suggested that the Premier League wear black armbands for the Rohingyas in Myanmar, for example. So personally, I'd say stick to issues directly affected football, or issues directly affecting one of the two teams playing. Incidentally, the poppy isn't really about remembrance. It's about using remembrance to promote a particular charity so they can raise more money. It's basically the same as how all the managers wear (or used to) that little prostate cancer badge.

[@buzzlopavich]

@@joepiekl The poppy is absolutely political.. My teams fanbase will not put up with it in our stadium.

[@infallibl]

Terrible example..

[@false_binary]

"All politics is local". Perhaps one could make the argument that there is no separation between politics and sport and it is simply not possible (I am not proposing increasing or decreasing messaging, like with the FA for ex)? For that matter I am curious if messaging like this is harmful or helpful commercially?

[@FortValance]

Couldn't agree more with Simon on this

[@brettworrallo395]

Why’s this piece cut up and edited

[@petemalone790]

15 mins could of been reduced to “if we’re not careful, a person or group with a differing opinion may take it upon themselves to hurt others at a stadium, we can’t risk that and therefore all causes are banned.”

[@benperkins9237]

Abramovich lost his club because of politics

[@zaahidsader1550]

Then the Russians shouldn't have been banned from sport........

[@dannymac1793]

Jordan could do with a history lesson on liberation for all after the 2 world wars

[@dominicd.292]

Everything is political! Jordan is only for his politics.

[@peterm7548]

To say that sport should not be involved in politics is a bit naive. The very existence of international sport is a proxy for war between states but, as Orwell said, without the bullets and a matter of intense national prestige to the point where cheating arises as with the drug abuse of Russian athletes. Most classic sports, like athletics, wrestling, archery or horse racing, have their origins in martial arts and modern games like cricket, football and rugby were regulated mainly in the English public schools as an activity through which their pupils, the future colonial administrators and soldiers of the British Empire, would learn team work, discipline and physical courage. In that sense sport has always been a political activity.

[@dirtydawg448]

So the Rugby World Cup is in your eyes a proxy for war - well it may be in your mind but fortunately your view is very much not shared by anyone I know who loves watching International Rugby and although I am sure there are other people who might agree with you - you are actually the reason why an effort is needed to separate sports as much as possible from any political agenda

[@civildiscourse7626]

It’s not politics that’s a problem, it’s the political side you pick that causes a problem 😂

[@grndouwn7338]

the poppy is one of the most political images in the world 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anugranmathimugan2778]

Think it's fine to have a moment of silence for both Parties . I can't tell who is right or wrong at certain times both have been perpertrators and victims.

[@nickchivers9029]

Football is the greatest cleanser of societies ills, whether your pro Israel or pro Palestine, we can all agree that VAR is absolutely shocking right now.

[@kevinkilbane2007]

​@@nickchivers9029I think var is great. Keep it going. Football fans have been moaning about refs decisions for decades. Never stop moaning They'll moan about anything

[@andm-3686]

The FA, Premier League who ever have already opened pandoras box. Now they have to pick and choose who to support and take criticism when they don't. Should of been left alone from day one.

[@lfcspectre4335]

Simon = Top LAD Proper Clobber 💯 Facts

[@HowardoColeBrown]

🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@geeman4041]

Is that all you ever have to say about S Jordan - man crush eh ?¿ 🤭

[@GamerFrisco]

LFC Spectre & Simon Jordan = top LADS Proper Clobber 💯 Facts 👌✊️

[@anthonyo.6084]

Simple Simon says.

[@kasimabdul2948]

Why is Israel in the Euros then??? Why isnt Palestine in the tournament

[@eddiepelosi6136]

Get politics out of football and sport.. that means no colours other than club colours... Let's get back to sport being an entertainment.. As long as you have Governments using sport for politics the public will do the same... but it really has to stop.

[@gullymc3897]

I think it’s dangerous and stupid to bring politics into football especially the Israeli/Palestine issue, we had a serious problem with hooliganism in this country in the 70s and 80s and this Middle East politicking will certainly divide and encourage tribalism which will lead to hooliganism and danger at games for the majority of fans who are attending games to switch off from the real world and relax.

[@paulosullivan5145]

The poppy is ok cause you agree with it. Poppy is seen by many as representing an army that has caused unbelievable murders and war crimes around the world. There should be no politics in sport

[@josephkneale3265]

This conversation is idiotic. Politics can’t be removed from sports just like it can’t be removed from anything else. Clubs, uefa, fifa are institutions that can be right as well as wrong, and they can often be hypocritical, in exactly the same way as our governments. Financial interests clearly come first for most of these institutions but instead of saying hey ho let’s ignore the worlds problems is the wrong direction. We should demand these organisations be more principled, and take consistent positions. For example, the diversity promoted by football has caused fans to be more tolerant and made racism less acceptable (and it still needs to improve). That is a good thing accomplished by football ‘being political’. Wanting to kick politics out of football is clearly just reactionary bullshit and it’s quite clear people like Simon Jordan just can’t stand young working class players (particularly players of colour) with principles being allowed to say what they believe.

[@The4BsPodcast]

This is the problem with virtue signaling, eventually your side gets cancelled. Football and politics should be separate, we should have learnt that from all the BLM kneeling nonsense

[@Victor-bull]

Big fan.. I really enjoy your program. Well spoken men

[@benperkins9237]

Didn,t an Enland team give the Nazi salute?

[@free_wifihesinnocent5553]

The iconic fist pump in the Olympics was all political, but we admired it,like Ali refusal to join the army against Vietnam

[@etiennebunbury1285]

Your chatting fart. The three men were slaughtered by their respected countries. The two Afro American were barred from competing for American again. The Australian that supported them was vilified. Both African Americans attended his funeral as they remained friends. Ali was vilified and stripped of his title his best years denied to us. Get it right mate

[@RedBrigades]

​@@etiennebunbury1285But Ali and other were still right in doing what they did.

[@RossKempOnYourMum01]

Like everything, it suffers from over exposure. Back then it was a rare thing and therefore powerful. Now the potency of such gestures means they've been reduced to just that - gestures. Kneeling before every game springs to mind.

[@sargonsblackgrandfather2072]

Lol no, at the times most people absolutely hated them and the white Aussie guy who stood with them was basically run out of the sport back home. Seeing history through rose tinted spectacles

[@sajO5754]

Hamas flag is completely different to the the flag of Palestine.

[@danielberry4765]

Literally the same.

[@sajO5754]

@@danielberry4765 One has a green background with Arabic on it while the other is a tricolour. The isreali flag is no different to the nazi flag......same thing.

[@williamsmith9315]

The political aspect of sports nowadays has killed the enjoyment for me, I don't watch anymore.

[@seanocalaghan2225]

isnt wearing the poppy the political act not the not wearing it .

[@calvinhicks1992]

Politics and football/sport will forever be intertwined, just look at footbal clubs like Celtic, Rangers, FC Barcelona a few examples.

[@MFC343]

their a difference between clubs having a political agenda, then the whole football world having an agenda.

[@calvinhicks1992]

@@MFC343 Very true

[@ChrisTCAP]

Keep politics and Gary Lineker out of football.

[@user-up4ff8uu9w]

Who remembers the good old days when football wasn't a political playground 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@JackDeLad]

Let's be honest, every normal person is sick to death of everything being politicised. Why the England Manager has to comment on the Israel/Palestine conflict shows us where society is. Let people have their escapism!

[@TerribleEnglish]

Sport has nothing, and should have nothing, to do with politcs. That includes the Poppy nonsense, btw.

[@francoisfournier2284]

Simon is absolutely right!!

[@dave7874]

There is no debate, they should absolutely not, the world has gone mad!!

[@samsonlifa3547]

I personally think that politics and sports dont go well together because it should only be one thing at a time.

[@BridgeStamford]

So we should give Roman back Chelsea??

[@o̸ණ]

@@BridgeStamford Yes, it was all agenda-driven by the US. And what a surprise Chelsea ended up in US hands right afterwards. And what a surprise, they'll host the next World Cup. And what a surprise that no one will question their human rights record like they do for everyone else except Western countries

[@jakesnacks1149]

Keep this issue out of MOSTLY PEACEFUL Western countries. That area has never been able to get it together and never will.

[@AFChase]

Football just had a World Cup in QATAR. So…..

[@o̸ණ]

..and football is going to have a World Cup in the United States of America next where no one would question their human rights records like they do non-Western countries

[@denisako6493]

So when england and PL captains put on LGBT armbands that isn't politics huh

[@jgalloway2407]

Bigger picture people - it's all about Divide and Rule! Taking either side makes you a part of the problem. Keep politics out of sport!

[@hellalive8973]

We either show support for civilian victims of terrorism or we don’t. Football can not choose which cause is the just one or not. Personally I was disgusted with the FA for not following through with the precedent that they have already set and show support for the Israeli citizens and if the day ever comes where Israel launches an unprovoked attack on the Palestinian civilians they should show support for that too

[@hellalive8973]

@@james.butler if you really want that conversation give an example

[@nickchivers9029]

​@@james.butler Israel are too busy watching football mate. But you wouldn't know you don't watch football.

[@hellalive8973]

@@james.butler very. Find me an instance of an UNPROVOKED attack on civilians. Not occupied land captured after war, not questionable policing tactics where the context is missing, a genuine unprovoked attack on Palestinian civilians.

[@hellalive8973]

@@tevildo45 you can point to killings in any country where some would say it’s murder by the state others would disagree. The topic of conversation was unprovoked attacks on civilians.

[@afroman99100]

@@hellalive8973they can’t because it never happened

[@Triple_X_X]

United shouldn't be in Prem instead, should be relegated to Championship on sight..Disgrace of a Football club

[@rosshaugh7937]

?

[@joshuarobertson1757]

Football isn't political, it's a athletic contest that draws spectators. It's only political, if you make it so.

[@BridgeStamford]

So we should give Roman back Chelsea??

[@joshuarobertson1757]

@@BridgeStamford huh?

[@BridgeStamford]

@@joshuarobertson1757 if football should remain separate from politics then we should allow Roman take back Chelsea as he was forced to sell

[@joshuarobertson1757]

@@BridgeStamford if it was solely political, then yes. But if it wasn't just about Russian sanctions, then it's more complicated. What do you think?

[@BridgeStamford]

@@joshuarobertson1757 exactly my point. Where’s the line? You can’t separate them

[@wellbewithyoueverystepalon5648]

Football and Politics does not mix

[@jonathanmarkham1998]

It’s a stupid question on its face. Football and politics have always mixed and always will. It’s not a worthwhile question to ask whether it should because it simply will.

[@grndouwn7338]

racism, sexism and homophobia is perfectly fine to be discussed within the context of football, the issue is when it goes outside of football

[@suffern63]

Keep politics out of sport when the message is one I disagree with,allow it when I think the politics are right.More or less the same for free speech.

[@michelcharron4633]

That just about sums it up......and I think the 'I' you refer to are the ruling elites and their mouthpieces, and their narrative.