THE FOOTBALL Association of Ireland (FAI) is making plans to ensure Jack Charlton gets the send-off he deserves from the Irish fans he meant so much to.
The former Republic of Ireland manager and England World Cup winner passed away, aged 85, on Friday, July 10, following a battle with illness.
His funeral is due to take place back in his native Northumberland this coming Tuesday, July 21.
A much-loved manager who guided Ireland to Euro ‘88 and two successive World Cup tournaments, Big Jack’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Emerald Isle.
Beloved for his sense of humour, no-nonsense approach and unadulterated love of the game, the FAI is eager to ensure his funeral is marked on these shores, given what Charlton achieved with the national team.
They are calling on fans to wear green this coming Tuesday and play Put ‘Em under Pressure at 12:30pm to coincide with the conclusion of the funeral service.
Produced by U2’s Larry Mullen, the song is synonymous with the success enjoyed under Charlton at the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
It was a tournament that saw Ireland defy the odds to qualify for the knock-out stages from a group containing both England and the reigning European Champions Holland.
Charlton’s team upset the applecart again in the last-16, dispatched an impressive Romania team on penalties to reach the quarter-finals at their first ever World Cup.
In light of these achieves the FAI as well as fan groups like You Boys In Green, the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs and the Irish Supporters Network are calling on radio stations across Ireland play the Italia ’90 anthem in unison as a national tribute to the iconic manager.
“We have all mourned Jack Charlton and many tears have been shed since his death last Friday - Tuesday is our chance to say goodbye with a smile on all our faces,” said FAI President Gerry McAnaney.
"Because of Covid-19 we cannot give Jack the send-off he deserves. We are talking to Jack’s family and looking at ways to commemorate his service to Irish football in the future but for now, I think it would be magnificent if we could make some noise for Jack one last time next Tuesday.”
A spokesperson for You Boys In Green added: “While all Ireland fans look forward to commemorating the passing of Big Jack in what he turned into ‘Fortress Lansdowne’ once supporters can safely return to the stadium, it would be fantastic to see the nation hold its breath to the soundtrack of his voice one final time.”
