How often have we heard the old adage that sport and politics should not mix? The reality is that football in particular has always been political; protest, corruption, nationalism, military propaganda, political symbols, religious messages and more have intertwined with the game since its conception.
Clubs, players and fans are enmeshed within politics and broader contemporary international political controversies continue to spark controversy among player, fan, media and political communities alike.
Chaired by Dr Martin Power, Department Of Sociology Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in discussion with an expert panel including:
• Tommy Barrett, Treaty United FC Manager
• Joanne O’Riordan, Irish Times Sports Journalist & campaigner for disability rights
• Dr Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Presenter TG4,Off the Ball, Eir Sport & performance coach and sport psychologist
• Dr Mariano Paz, School of Modern Languages & Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and co-editor of Diego Maradona: A Socio-Cultural Study
