President Michael D Higgins' arrival on to Aviva Stadium pitch delayed by England fan
President Higgins was made to wait before advancing to shake hands with both sets of players
President Michael D Higgins' arrival on to the Aviva Stadium pitch to greet the Ireland and England teams was delayed due to a pitch invader.
The 83-year-old had made his way down to pitchside with the FAI President Paul Cooke ahead of the Saturday evening kick-off.
But he was made to wait before advancing to shake hands with both sets of players due to an England fan running on the pitch and standing at the end of the England team.
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The intruder, dressed in an England kit, was quickly removed by security and President Higgins advanced to speak with a number of the players ahead of the game.
Shortly afterwards, the national anthems of both countries were played as interim England boss Lee Carsley remained silent for 'God Save the King'.
The 50-year-old former Ireland international had indicated in advance that he would not join in with the national anthem – as has been his practice throughout his career – as he took charge of his first game in the wake of Gareth Southgate’s departure.
However, his decision angered sections of the English media, with some incredibly going as far as to suggest that he should be sacked for refusing to sing the anthem.
Once the action started, it didn't take long for England to take the lead as Declan Rice scored after just 11 minutes before another former Ireland youth player in Jack Grealish doubled the visitors' lead 15 minutes later.
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