england vs ireland (dublin)

[Hugo Sanchez]

England in line for Republic of Ireland friendly in Dublin 15 years after abandoned game

By Christopher Davies Last updated at 10:23 AM on 2nd July 2010

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England are set to return to Dublin to play a friendly against the Republic of Ireland for the first time since rioting visiting supporters forced the abandonment of the game at Lansdowne Road 15 years ago.

The new Aviva stadium, which replaces Lansdowne Road, will re-open for international duty with the visit of Argentina on Aug 11.

Enlarge A dark day: England's friendly against Ireland in 1995 was abandoned

A dark day: England's friendly against Ireland in 1995 was abandoned

Ireland have used Croke Park for their home games during the rebuilding programme but the Football Association of Ireland have contacted the Football Association about a friendly on Nov 17.

Informal contact was previously made by the countries' two Italian managers. Giovanni Trapattoni said: 'I spoke with [Fabio] Capello about it. I looked for him and told him we wished for a game.

Moving home: Ireland will host Argentina in the first match at the Aviva Stadium

Moving home: Ireland will host Argentina in the first match at the Aviva Stadium

'I talked with him maybe two or three times and I think they are afraid! Well, maybe not but I was with him and I said 'when will we play this game?' but he said he said they had other offers. We are still hopeful.'

Since that ill-fated night in 1995 the English authorities have successfully minimised the threat of hooliganism and FAI chief executive John Delaney is confident about the security arrangements at the Aviva.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1291408/England-line-Republic-Ireland-friendly-Dublin-15-years-abandoned-game.html#ixzz1BiRsTSt8

[CosbehFox]

Err....six months old. Extremely unlikely now given England's schedule and participation in the Home Internationals.