A chara, - Last time I checked, I lived in a free and democratic country (although I do wonder sometimes).
If I want to jeer, boo or whistle at Bertie Ahern, Albanian footballers feigning injury or a Glasgow Rangers player at a football match, I will do so. I do note, however, that the subject is a matter of public concern only when it involves a Rangers player and provides yet another opportunity for certain people to vilify Celtic supporters.
The mass hysteria this topic generates is quite bewildering - if only people could show as much interest in matters of a serious nature. Jeering or booing at a Rangers player or ex-player is no more racist or sectarian than the jeering or booing at our Taoiseach.
The criticism from the FAI of the booing is even more baffling considering that they invited representatives from Celtic to both recent matches to create a better atmosphere by providing a similar "warm-up" routine to that used for matches at Celtic Park. It seems paradoxical to attempt to create a stronger link with Celtic on the one hand, and then to complain about Celtic fans jeering a Rangers player on the other.
It now appears that after many games at Lansdowne Road the only issue concerning some fans is "booing". I find myself beginning to wonder if the prawn sandwich brigade have vacated Old Trafford and found a new base. - Is mise,
E.F. FANNING, Churchtown, Dublin 14.