Richie Sadlier said last night’s attendance at the Aviva Stadium was “not totally unexpected“ as just over 27,000 supporters turned out to watch the Republic of Ireland beat Georgia.
Ireland won 1-0 to keep their hopes of qualifying for EURO 2016 alive, but in front of the smallest Dublin crowd of the group so far.
Sadlier told RTÉ 2FM's Game On last night: “It's not totally unexpected. There is a lot of talk that the section behind the goal [in the South Stand] is getting heavily searched and there is sensitivity from the FAI for the banners and various different things that have been expressed from that side of the crowd.
“All of those things don't help and the quality of the opposition, but we keep hearing this is a sports mad country.
“We often hear the phrase 'best fans in the world', I often hear that and I cringe every time I hear it. There is no sign of them here tonight.”
Fellow RTÉ analyst Pat Fenlon said the lowly attendance is not just based on the team and governance of the game in the country could also be a factor.
“It's very, very poor. It's very disappointing," he said. "But I don't think it's just about tonight or the football. I think there are a lot of people disappointed and frustrated by the way football is going in this country.
“They might be voting with their feet. I don't think it's just about what is happening on the pitch.
“It would be great if we had a few more, but if you're looking at the expensive tickets as well for the game tonight, then it's probably very difficult for supporters. But it's a disappointing crowd.”
