FAI call on Irish supporters to salute Jack Charlton next Tuesday

The FAI are calling on Irish fans to give Jack Charlton a fitting send off next Tuesday by wearing green for the day.

The Association are also asking Irish radio stations to play Put Em Under Pressure at 12.30 to coincide with the conclusion of Jack’s funeral which will take place in Northumbria.

Jack Charlton passed away last Friday at the age of 85 after a number of years battling illness and FAI President Gerry McAnaney believes this is a fitting way to mark the sad time given the fact bigger commemorations aren’t possible at present due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“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.

“Jack Charlton and his team put many smiles on many faces between 1986 and 1995, at two World Cup finals and a European Championship, and we should remember him with an Irish send-off next Tuesday.

“As President of the FAI, I am asking Irish fans to wear green for the day and to salute Jack in song at 12.30 on Tuesday afternoon as his family are saying their final goodbyes in Newcastle. It would also be a really fitting gesture if all our radio stations here in Ireland could come together and play ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’ in unison at that time as their own tribute to the great man.

“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.”

Irish supporters group YBIG, which is backing the gesture, believe Irish fans will be forever grateful for the memories created during Charlton’s 10 year stint as head of the national team.

 “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.

“And as it was the era of Jackie’s Army mobilising that first saw the Ireland shirt displayed en masse across the world when we really shook ‘em up at Euro 88, Italia 90 and USA 94, it feels fitting to send a legend off with the wearing of the green.”

    About Gareth O'Reilly

    Gareth is the Editor of Extratime.ie. Gareth began as a normal reporter covering games all over Dublin before being asked to help out with behind the scene activities and eventually moving into the role of … View Full Profile