Ireland fans prove they haven’t forgiven Rice and Grealish

By The Associated Press on September 7, 2024.

England's Jack Grealish and Declan Rice during a training session a training session at St George's Park, Burton-on-Trent, Britain, Friday Sept. 6, 2024. (Joe Giddens/PA via AP)

DUBLIN (AP) – England players Declan Rice and Jack Grealish were targeted by protesting Ireland fans during the UEFA Nations League match on Saturday.

The players previously represented Ireland and were jeered inside Aviva Stadium.

One banner had pictures of Rice and Grealish alongside the words, “The snakes are back.”

Rice opened the scoring for England in the 11th minute but didn’t celebrate.

Grealish added a second in the 26th and did celebrate.

Rice made three appearances for Ireland before opting to represent England, where he has become a key figure in the team as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Grealish played for Ireland at youth level and then chose to pursue a career with England.

Both players were born in England but eligible to represent Ireland.

England interim manager Lee Carsley also represented Ireland as a player when he made 40 appearances for the senior team. He was also born in England.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer