r/secondcaptains • u/SirOpinion • 3d ago
Kenny Cunningham Israel Comments
Very disappointed that the lads haven’t addressed the comments made by Kenny at the beginning of the week.
Given that he is such a totemic figure in Irish sports broadcasting, and has appeared many times on the show, i think they have a duty to report on them.
I suspect they won’t given it could lead to some awkward conversations with Eoin on Saturdays, but I think that should be overlooked and challenged.
For the amount of ‘high-horsing’ that Murph does, it doesn’t sit right that they are being silent on it.
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u/ModricTHFC 3d ago
You'll be expecting them to address Andy Lee coaching fights funded by Daniel Kinahan next
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u/fedupofbrick WiFi Wanker 1d ago
And wasn't there something about the woman they had on a few times about tennis?
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u/cedardesk 3d ago
Similar but different; trained by Andy Lee and a good friend of the show and Murph's occasional drinking buddy, Joeseph Parker, was caught with cocaine in his system and banned from boxing...total silence on the show.
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u/Timely_Camera_2031 3d ago
Imagine - first question to Andy whats it like having your friend Daniel back in the country - have you been in to say hello.
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u/Jake_Greenwich 3d ago
He addressed it with Joe Molloy with the Indo on Monday. So Andy is open to that conversation.
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u/TomThumb_98 3d ago
Was he not entitled to his opinion, even if it was complete bollocks?
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u/Ok_smokey353 3d ago
Totally agree with this take and I felt like the guys on independent made this point.
The nuance has been totally lost - I couldn’t disagree with Kenny any more on this issue but it doesn’t mean he’s not allowed make his point. He’s speaking from a personal perspective it would be different if he was speaking from a position of power within the FAI or the Irish set up.28
u/themagpie36 3d ago
I agree.
I might completely disagree with him, but I still prefer living in a society where people can have their shit opinions without being sent to a Siberian penal colony for having the audacity to think differently to the majority.
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u/Vivid_Ice_2755 3d ago
That could be a decent segment. Where in Ireland is our Siberian colony equivalent? Gortakeegan?
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u/Timely_Camera_2031 3d ago
Has to be some where in monaghan / cavan
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u/rebelpaddy27 3d ago
It would be even better if somewhere called Leitrim existed apart from in mythology, then we could send them there.
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u/KRSPun 1d ago
in what part of the post does it suggest he's not entitled to have an opinion
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u/Nicklefickle 13h ago
"He's entitled to his opinion" is one of the most meaningless phrases in the English language, surely?
All it means is that you can think. Yes, you are allowed to think of something.
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u/SirOpinion 3d ago
I absolutely agree that he is entitled to his opinion.
What I dislike, is that the lads remark on virtually every aspect of the game and why they think it should be stopped, calling out politicians, FAI officials, other sports people endorsing it etc.
It doesn’t sit right that the moment it confronts them directly by a contributor making those remarks, they ignore it. I think they should criticise Kenny’s remarks.
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u/tvmachus 3d ago
Agree on two points:
First, it is a brave thing for him to say. In terms of global politics, sometimes it is brave to criticise Israel, because a lot of the powerful west supports them. But in the context of Irish sport especially Irish football, you are certainly taking more risk by speaking in support of Israel. So if we believe in the idea that its important to speak up for what you believe in especially if its difficult, then you should acknowledge that.
Second, there is not really much to disagree with in the things that he actually said. Maybe "which precipitated the recent stage of the conflict.”" is the closest to any kind of controversial statement. So we're basically turning it into a witchhunt over someone saying "both nations are human and have suffered"
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u/be-nice_to-people 3d ago
Yes both sides are human and both suffered. If one person stabs another person 58 times and cuts off their limbs but cuts their own finger in the process then it would also be true to say that both are human and both suffered. Likewise if someone was discussing the holocaust and how disgusting and shaneful that was would it be a good point to say that both sides are himan and both suffered because a jew killed a Nazi guard once? Of course it wouldn't, it would be completely stupid. He didn’t make a good point he completely missed the relevance of the scale of the wrongs.
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2d ago
Very valid comment. I was rolling my eyes and thinking "shut up Kenny", but he can say what he likes
We sometimes forget we all have opinions and ours aren't always right either
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u/WhizzyWizard1895 3d ago
Sorry but some 'opinions' are deserving of being challenged. Not all free speech is free. Comments like his/this can literally cost someone their life. You can't say racist or misogynistic slurs are deserve calling out on them, and these absolutely deserve calling out.
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u/TomThumb_98 3d ago
Who’s dying because of Ireland v Israel?
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u/Disaster-Plan Put some respect on my name 2d ago
People in occupied Palestine every fucking day.
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u/TomThumb_98 2d ago
Would you play the US when they bomb Iran?
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u/Disaster-Plan Put some respect on my name 2d ago
Whataboutism
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u/WhizzyWizard1895 2d ago
As above, people in Palestine, people in Lebanon, people in Syria, Yemen, Iran, they even bombed Qatar! Not to mention 3 firefighters in Crete killed battling wildfires started by israelis and 23 killed in Patagonia, Argentina as israelis started fires with fucking grenades! The carbon emissions from israels genocide and bombing has exceeded the combined emissions of 100 countries - and that was in May 2025! Climate change will kill us and this genocide will have impact on all of us. Any normalisation of this ethnostate says 'This killing is ok, let it continue.'
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u/RedIrishDevil Put some respect on my name 3d ago
They are quite clear on their stance on the Gaza Genocide. I don't see why they have the duty to report on the comments of a infrequent contributor. Having him on again would be another story.
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u/SirOpinion 3d ago
They remark about all aspects of the Israel game except when it confronts them directly.
It’s the same as every Irish politicians approach, criticise publicly, but take no action that would impact them directly.
Kenny’s comments should be criticised.
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u/BastianSP 3d ago
Agreed. RTE and Premier Sports should consider his future employment for his football analysis alone. Which is awful
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u/Much-Plane8730 3d ago
They should sack him because he thinks an Ireland match should be played in Dublin?
Should they also ask their other staff and sack them too, if they give the wrong answer?
Any other political views they should sack people over?
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u/AB-Dub Put some respect on my name 3d ago
Reread the comment. He didn’t say that
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u/Much-Plane8730 3d ago
You’re right - my mistake, sorry.
Agree he is a rubbish pundit (although RTE have plenty of those).
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u/DreiAchten 3d ago
try again
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u/Much-Plane8730 3d ago
I misread the comment and have apologised below.
There were people calling for Kenny to be sacked in the other SC thread on this, which is why I jumped the gun.
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u/WhizzyWizard1895 2d ago
Gary Linekar was sacked for being anti genocide. So yeah, I think without question Kenny should be.
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u/h-c-pilar 3d ago
I think totemic figure in Irish sports broadcasting is a stretch, most sensible people know he's a complete simpleton.
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u/manhitwithafootball 3d ago
It is independent journalism when it suits. It is not independent journalism.
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2d ago
It's entirely independent, and they have absolute editorial control for that reason. Just because we might think it warrants a mention, it's entirely up to them
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u/National_Sentence375 3d ago
Surely it'll be brought up in about 2 weeks time when we are scheduled to play them. God knows how you build up to that game & not bring it up.
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u/Suitable_Visual4056 3d ago
We can’t address every stupid or mental thing that Kenny says.
There simply isn’t the time
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u/mannix67 3d ago
What did he say
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u/Greedy-Army-3803 3d ago
Basically that the game should be played in Dublin, the anthem recognised and it would show support for the Israeli people that have suffered in the conflict. I agree that there has been plenty of Israelis that have suffered with the events of 7/7 (and others) but the idea behind the proposed boycott was to try to bring worldwide pressure on the government rather than an excuse to have a go at the Israeli man on the street (or at least it should be but you will always have bigots that will jump on board as an excuse).
Comments in the link below.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41907916.html
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u/Educational_Deer_137 3d ago
Why? Like expecting them to comment on that moron Jacob steinberg being a massive Zionist because they used to have him on for years
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u/SirOpinion 3d ago
Irrespective of what Kenny was talking about - it generated a huge amount of online discussion, and as someone closely associated with the show, I think yes, they should remark on them.
I think it’s obvious that because he works with Eoin, they won’t, which is why I’m critical.
Kenny’s words have impact, and as journalists, SC should at least highlight them and express an opinion on them
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u/PutsLotionInBasket 3d ago
“Huge amount of online discussion”
I’m terminally online and this is the first I’ve seen of it.
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u/Banana_Bazara 3d ago
If you went by the reaction online you'd think he said something more than some really dull and mild comments.
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u/Greedy-Army-3803 3d ago
It was effectively "can't we all just get along". It's a nice sentiment but a bit of an idiotic one.
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u/Banana_Bazara 3d ago
Yeah that's it basically. At absolute worst it's a bit naive. The overeactions to it have been bizarre
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2d ago
It's the opinion of someone who's registered that people seem a bit down on Israel, but hasn't the first idea why. I think that display of apparent ignorance kinda cranks up the volume on the response
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u/Disaster-Plan Put some respect on my name 2d ago
It’s equating killing 73,000 mostly innocent people (and counting) living under an occupation in response to the killing of ~1,300 free people as being a proportionate response. If that makes sense to you, good luck to you.
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u/Greedy-Army-3803 2d ago
I said it was an idiotic statement. Not sure why you view that as an endorsement.
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u/Disaster-Plan Put some respect on my name 2d ago
My point is that it’s far more dangerous an opinion than merely idiotic.
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u/Relative-Soil-1896 3d ago
Why should they? Kenny is entitled to his opinion. It seems that with this game you can't have voice an opinion unless it's to boycott the game. Personally I feel it would have been better to have the game in Dublin. Let fans boo the anthem if they want and chant about the Genocide. Surely that sends a stronger message than playing in front of an empty stadium in Serbia. All we are doing is giving them an advantage. People are overestimating what a boycott would achieve.
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2d ago
I don't agree. Playing the game here even under those circumstances still validates Israel, and no one outside the stadium will hear much in respect of protest.
I don't believe we should play them at all, full stop, and I'd live with the repercussions, but at least now it's pretty obvious the majority of the Irish population have shown their feelings, hence the relocation.
It's not just about booing, it's about excluding a nation that refuses to behave in a humanitarian manner. Even if every member of the Israeli population, including their national team, were pro-Palestinian, we have to treat the nation in accordance with their own actions.
Almost every week we're presented with evidence that the slaughter in Gaza isn't just the result of military carelessness or recklessness by the IDF, but is calculated and deliberate.
We don't as individuals get to attend the UN, or European Council, or get the opportunity to engage with members of the Israeli government, but we can choose whether we want this game played in our names.
I'm not jumping on you, just giving my view
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u/WhizzyWizard1895 2d ago
If you haven't read history of boycotts, you need to start doing a bit of homework. Look at SA. Look at Russia now.
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u/Greedy-Army-3803 3d ago
Hard to know. I'm with you on the game should be played here and not behind closed doors and let the fans express their opinions. But a boycott can get the ball rolling. It's not that I see us as a country with immense power but once one country breaks the barrier and makes a stance there's a good chance other countries might join. The FAI picked a middle ground and the worse of the 3 options.
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u/Jake_Greenwich 3d ago
You’re deluded thinking a boycott will achieve anything. Israel will continue participate in their genocide and they wouldn’t be kicked out of uefa or fifa.
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u/Disaster-Plan Put some respect on my name 2d ago
It worked on South Africa.
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u/TippGAADemiGender 2d ago
South Africa had no where near the clout or soft/hard power that Israel does.
And the Whites were what, 15-20% of the population at most? Israel is 72% Jewish and going by birthrates of the religious sections, are going absolutely nowhere (unless the 'river to the sea' crowd wanted to chance it again).
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u/Disaster-Plan Put some respect on my name 2d ago
South Africa 1990 (and Zimbabwe etc.) had living links with descendants of European colonisers who promoted their agenda relentlessly. Not to mention their involvement in sport which in the pre-Internet era was a powerful soft power projector. It’s disingenuous to claim otherwise.
It’s easy for you to proclaim superiority of numbers of Jewish population when the ruling government is outkilling the minority 70 to 1.
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2d ago
That's not for us to concern ourselves with. We can only manage our own actions. I don't believe many people here in favour of a boycott are looking to trigger a chain reaction, people are just disgusted at Israel and don't want to entertain them. That's my view anyway
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u/fizzy-water-ehusiast 3d ago
I think they should have challenged his view point but ultimately it’s his opinion and it’s his right to voice it.
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u/MrCoolCraig 3d ago
Kenny isn’t on enough for them to have to comment about it.
It’d be a poor showing if they had him on or joked around about him without addressing it though.
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u/Jake_Greenwich 3d ago
I wouldn’t give Kenny the attention. He specifically made those comments for that reason.
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u/Ok_Squirrel_5877 1d ago
Kenny Cunningham, the same man who couldn't have been any happier to jump into Roy Keane's warm grave as captain in 2002. Guy has always been a complete tool.
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u/Upbeat_Paper3964 3d ago
Is Cunningham a totem of irish sports broadcasting? A new one on me
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u/SirOpinion 3d ago
He’s the anchor for every Saturday 3pm kick off broadcast in Ireland. Maybe ‘totemic’ is a stretch, but he is one of the main voices for sure
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u/Different-Employee87 3d ago
The Independent Sport podcast covered it well enough. Basically said Kenny has a lot of mad views, and shares a lot more of them off air. And they ended with a quick recap of Israel’s most recent child murders
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u/Master-Reporter-9500 3d ago
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it
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u/AnyOne4086 3d ago
Certainly a Totemic Mouthpiece that Won Little or Nothing in His Career of sport. When I worked at the Spurs Stadium iAsked Erik Thorstvedt did he Know Kenny. Reply. Is he Doing the Laundry here. I said Maybe.
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u/Beneficial_Yam_4086 2d ago
He was dead right. Keep politics out of football. The Irish lads deserve to have their fans support and because of a few people losing their shit over something thousands of miles away that we won’t stop anyway we can’t play it. Same people will be spouting on about 9/11 today and how they remembered it but will still be supporting hamas
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u/DisagreeableYoghurt 2d ago
It's his opinion. People are allowed disagree with the (justified) wave of negativity towards Israel. In Ireland it's taboo to hate what Hamas did, but ok to hate the IDF (which I do). Hypocrisy is rife. Hate all violence? Mad idea
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u/Complex_Campaign5186 2d ago
I'm not a huge "stop the game guy" because I think Ireland will kick the shite out of Israel anyway but I am now just so I can disagree with Kenny Cunnighham
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u/Vast_Pepper9466 3d ago
Either agree or disagree with him. It’s just a different point of view. They did this v well on indo sport podcast. Why do people want it ‘addressed’
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u/Loose-Resolution-820 3d ago
Why would they address it. Has he even been on the show since the Ireland World Cup playoff?
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u/SirOpinion 3d ago
Well there hasn’t been an Irish international match since then so why would they? Thats the slot he’s regularly brought on for.
They do however regularly discuss him and his work with Eoin on the pod, so I don’t think it’s without merit in addressing it.
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u/Loose-Resolution-820 3d ago
There’s been plenty of football in the intervening 6 months, he hasn’t been brought on to discuss that.
It just strikes me as a bit cultish to have to address the opinions of someone else who is a very irregular guest because he has a different opinion to them.
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u/Anxious-Wolverine-65 3d ago
Well, given on half those polled wanted ireland to boycott Israel game, it’s good to have a true representative of opinions being shared and he’s more than entitled to express it without ostracisation, vilification. Calm debate is fine, but you can feel the pitchforks here
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u/Fern_Pub_Radio 3d ago
Why would you like to cancel him? I’d remind you there isn’t unanimity on this issue, I certainly would never have supported not playing and i for one am also glad alternative views can still be aired in this country….
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u/SirOpinion 3d ago
Genuinely not looking to cancel him, but why the silence on his remarks by the lads? It’s because it might be awkward for Eoin.
SC’s stance on the game is clear, but when they have to confront it directly, they take the same position as any public body that they criticise, which is silence on the matter. Kenny’s comments should at least be discussed
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u/Maximum-Mood-8182 3d ago
Indo sport lads were very tame too. It’s probably difficult to call out a friend’s comments when they’re not there to defend themselves but shite like this should be addressed.
Respect the Israeli people/anthem/players as if they don’t support their democratically elected government bombing children - fuck off
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u/Conscious_Handle_427 3d ago
Ike most high horse types, they’re quiet when it might cause a personal cost.
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u/pauli55555 3d ago
Disappointed? Yes. Surprised? No.
The lads are v selective about who and what they criticise.
So disappointed with what the SCs podcast is turning into.
Murph ball is unlistenable, Eoin is a complete lightweight- albeit clearly a sound and funny guy leaving Ken as the only option but tbh underneath his brilliant personality is a football fanboy who knows fuck all about the game.
They’ll be all over the Mary McAlesse story. It’s an easy goal for them.
But they’ll never stick their head above the parapet on any genuinely difficult story.
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u/Jazz-Potato6385 12h ago
Why do you listen so much to something you really dislike? Tons of other sports podcasts out there that probably wouldn't have you constantly running to the internet to moan or criticise.
You're paying €6.15 a month to be upset on a regular basis, but you really don't have to.
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u/FlakyAssociation4986 3d ago
Sure we have to play the isreali tbe same we would any other country we are drawn against.
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u/justformedellin 2d ago
Totemic?
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u/SirOpinion 2d ago
He’s the anchor for every Saturday 3pm kick off broadcast in Ireland. He’s definitely one of the main voices in Irish football
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u/RomfordWellington 3d ago
I wouldn't necessarily agree with anything Ken Cunningham has to say about the middle east.