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Letter By Angelina Bojkova
I write to register my disappointment at what appears to be the gradual loss of something that makes Ireland so unique compared to others in Europe, and particularly Britain.
As one of the contingent of Bulgarian supporters who made our way to Croke Park for the international soccer match on Saturday, I was astonished to find we were herded into a corner of the ground, surrounded by a large body of Irish police throughout.
After the game, we were not allowed leave the stadium for over 20 minutes, until presumably all the Irish fans had left.
The reason for this ridiculous security operation is beyond me.
In the days before the match, myself and my compatriots wore our Bulgarian colours with pride -- and experienced nothing but a warm welcome in the pubs and on the streets of Dublin.
Everyone wished us well, saying "may the best team win". A handful of seemingly wealthier people asked how we had the money to travel to Dublin, which was rather insulting, but the vast majority of people we met were wonderful.
I have heard how Irish fans at big hurling and Gaelic football matches sit side by side in games of great passion without any trouble. To my knowledge, you have almost no football hooliganism in Ireland.
Imagine my shock and disappointment arriving at Croke Park to be treated as potential hooligans.
Where was the risk of Bulgarian and Irish fans fighting each other? Ireland's independence and culture and achievements within the European Union serve as a model of encouragement for Bulgaria.
Where was the camaraderie and wonderful hospitality we had experienced before and after the match in the hearts of those who decided this security operation was necessary?
It was as if we were in England, and that the Irish police, or Croke Park or the soccer authorities had ditched a part of Irish culture and replaced it by mimicking what goes on across the water in Britain.
We Bulgarians who were there love Ireland and didn't allow this idiocy and a 20-minute post-match lock-in spoil what otherwise was a great party.
Angelina Bojkova
BALLINTEER, DUBLIN 15
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