Ex-boss Kerr adds to call for Republic of Ireland to boycott Israel games

Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr is one of 39 signatories of an open letter calling on the Football Association of Ireland to boycott Nations League fixtures against Israel.

A 'Stop The Game' campaign has been launched by pressure group Irish Sport For Palestine, calling for the Republic of Ireland to withdraw from the away game on 27 September and the reverse fixture in Dublin seven days later.

The group maintains the games should not take place, citing what is describes as "clear and ongoing serious breaches of Uefa and Fifa statute regarding Israeli teams playing on occupied Palestinian lands" and "a brutal system of apartheid and genocide, both of which are accepted by the Irish government".

Israel has regularly denied committing genocide or war crimes and has said its actions in Gaza have been justified as a means of self-defence.

Kerr is among the high-profile names to have signed the letter. Others include former Republic of Ireland women's player Louise Quinn and ex-Sweden international Hedvig Lindahl, plus musicians Paul Weller, Bobby Gillespie, Tom Morello, Kneecap and Fontaines DC.

Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland chair and Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes - who is in line to represent Cape Verde at this summer's World Cup - added his voice.

"We have to stop the game," Lopes wrote. "As players and fans, our natural instinct is always to get out there and compete, but this is a moment where we need to look at the bigger picture.

"We can't ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine; the sheer loss of life there has to take precedence over any sporting consideration.

"Ireland has an opportunity here to lead - to be a pioneer and do what others won't. We need to be brave enough to say enough is enough. We can't just stand by.

"Please, stop the game."

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been contacted by BBC Sport NI for comment.