They weren’t fixing cars or singing lullabies to babies, but Ireland fans can still turn heads.
Sometimes, they just go to games and support their team and, sometimes, even just that is noteworthy.
Irish supporters took all the plaudits in France, especially from the locals and mingling nationalities – and Facebook newsfeeds – but, then, after about three days, everyone quickly got sick of seeing their good deeds.
So rather than a major tournament that lasted 13 days for the boys in green, Monday night represented a return to acclamation for the hardcores.
Under 1,000 men and women from this island made their way to Belgrade and they made their presence felt alright.
Still bucketing down in Belgrade where the 700 or so travelling 🇮🇪 supporters are making all the noise! #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 5, 2016
Even through the pouring rain, the spirits of the travelling supporters weren’t dampened. The weather clearly affected the Serbian mindset though as the expected 25,000 crowd ended up at a measly 10,000 or less. In the first World Cup qualifier.
pretty incredible to see those massive empty stands in belgrade. serbs appear to have fallen out of love with national team
— Ken Early (@kenearlys) September 5, 2016
But, despite the 53,000-seater stadium sitting near-empty in Belgrade, the Irish fans made hay whilst the rain poured and they were heard over the PA system, all the way through the track-lined ground.
https://twitter.com/MiloseMarkovicu/status/772861887482585088
Here come the teams. Serbia v Ireland, Belgrade. Disillusioned home fans staying away. Nothing like a new start… pic.twitter.com/rQ92RqivuM
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) September 5, 2016
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