A group of Republic of Ireland supporters have organised a plane protest against Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney before Saturday’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.
Hundreds of fans are already planning to meet up three hours before kick off to vent their frustrations at Delaney, who admitted earlier this month that the FAI accepted a €5m (£3.67m) payment from Fifa after Thierry Henry’s handball in the 2010 World Cup play-offs ended their hopes of qualifying for the tournament in South Africa.
There is also anger among supporters at perceived unfair treatment at last week’s friendly against England, when it is claimed they were subjected to “heavy security” and had anti-Delaney banners confiscated by stewards.
“Irish football fans from around the world have come together to unite behind the removal of John Delaney as FAI chief executive officer by hiring a plane to circle Dublin and in particular Lansdowne Road on Saturday ahead of the vital Euro 2016 qualifier with Scotland,” read a statement from the group seen by the Guardian.
“We took the decision to book the plane to fly between 3.50pm and 4.50pm on Saturday to ensure that there would be no distraction from the crucial football match taking place at 5pm.”
The statement then details a long list of complaints against Delaney, including his “willingness to provide interviews to lifestyle and celebrity media yet unwillingness to provide interviews to sports journalists” and “John Delaney receiving a basic salary (before add-ons) of €360,000 whilst the League of Ireland winners receive €100,000”.
