While English and Russian fans continue to develop a questionable reputation in France, their Irish counterparts are doing the opposite.
On the same night that police carried out at least 36 arrests in Lille, supporters of the Group E side were leaving an altogether better impression of travelling football fans.
Singing “Clean up for the Boys in Green”, Irish supporters were seen gathering empty beer bottles from a French park and were generally in good spirits.
It is a far cry from some of the violent scenes in Lille, though it should be noted that we have seen plenty of positive stories concerning England and Wales fans as well.
England fans were seen joining French supporters in song after Les Bleus recorded a late victory over Albania, while French newspaper Sud Ouest singled out Welsh fans for praise.
https://twitter.com/UnitedRise/status/743200127897186304
Ireland were in Paris for their first group game, a 1-1 draw with Sweden, and will now travel to Bordeaux to take on Belgium on Saturday.
Victory over the Red Devils would all but guarantee Martin O’Neill’s team a place in the last 16, while even if they lose they won’t be eliminated.
Considering the number of negative stories following football fans around, this makes for a welcome distraction.
