How strange it is that what should be 'normal' is viewed with suspicion and looked at as 'abnormal'. This is sport. Both teams in Ireland are nearly always underdogs. Any David over Goliath acts in sport are surely to be lauded. The teams pull on a green shirt and play as hard as they can - not always true of better-paid and supposed better teams. The other international supporters seldom know or care about nuances of politics. The behaviour of 'our' fans - from wherever - was brilliant in France. The French people celebrated with us. What do we do? Carp, begrudge, divide and hang our fiddles up outside the door when we return.
Oh so true GandT , Unfortunately there is a huge difference between our sporting views and beliefs and our Political views and Beliefs ,True sports men and women are a million miles away form men and women who live and breath politics and wish to view their ideology and their own personal political views, A pal of mine was in Ballycastle on Saturday afternoon and was shocked but not surprised at the venom shown towards England by locals in a well known Bar, So much so he decided to leave as he felt to uncomfortable and didn't like the language and attitude of local bigots.
Yet in another Bar the staff tried to get him the N IRE game on the telly

Unfortunately with out success , Lets be honest there will always be the good guys but more than likely more of the bad guys , Regards Ken
Ps Well earned point for the Republic , Think of the craic in Moscow if Northern and Southern Ireland both make it to the finals .