Euro 2028 has unleashed a fierce political debate in Northern Ireland

In 2028, Northern Ireland will host matches in a major football tournament for the first time.

UEFA officially awarded Euro 2028 to the UK and Ireland earlier this month with five matches set to be played in Belfast. Where in Belfast, however, isn’t exactly certain.

The plan is for Casement Park to be used, but the West Belfast venue is currently derelict and has been in that condition for over a decade. It’s a long way from being suitable for international football.

More pertinent, though, is the political debate wrapped up in the proposal to use Casement Park for Euro 2028.

In Northern Ireland, everything is political and that extends to discussion around where the country’s national team plays.

There’s a reason fans have chanted against plans to play at Casement Park.

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