RUGBY fans insisted “something needs to be done” as a common Aviva Stadium complaint cropped up during Ireland’s Six Nations clash against England.
Simon Easterby’s first game as interim Ireland head coach pitted him against long-time rivals at Lansdowne Road.
However, despite the inherent rivalry, some fans voiced complaints as to the atmosphere at the stadium.
It was a topic of conversation on Virgin Media before the game, with pockets of seats only filling up as the game approached kick-off.
When both sets of teams left the field following their warm-up, host Joe Molloy asked the panel if the atmosphere was “a bit flat”.
Former Ireland international Shane Horgan responded: “Let’s see what it’s like when they walk on. The atmosphere against England is always strong.
“The other thing is we talk too much about what the crowd do.
“The crowd reacts to what Ireland do and how they play and if Ireland plough into this time in the first five minutes, the crowd will be into it.”
His former teammate Rob Kearney was in agreement, adding: “Sometimes there is always a bit of a lack of atmosphere here.
“We are not blessed to have an extra 30,000 seats. I couldn’t agree with Shane more.
“The teams needs to get the crowd into it but I promise you once the anthems come and we fill up in here, the place will be rocking.”
However, that did not manifest in a first-half which saw Ireland fall behind to an early Caden Murley try.
After Marcus Smith was sent to the sin-bin, Jamison Gibson-Park got Ireland off the mark with try well-worked with James Lowe.
Smith returned to the field to kick a late penalty as Steve Borthwick‘s men took a 10-5 lead into the break.
And fans on social media pointed to the atmosphere at the ground being reflectively flat.
Dylan asked: “Serious question – is the atmosphere dead at Six Nations games at the Aviva Stadium? It sounds lifeless through the television.”
Alastair posted: “I know exactly what to expect from the Aviva Stadium though… Lifeless so far. Opening of the Six Nations.
“The big idea to generate pre-match atmosphere was a solo of The Fields [of Athenry]?!”
Rob said: “Trying to improve the atmosphere at the Aviva…..let’s play Dirty old town mid match”
Josh lamented: “It’s well documented, but I can confirm that the atmosphere at the Aviva is awful.”
Eimear remarked: “The atmosphere is that dead in the Aviva they have to play Dirty Old Town over the speakers”
And Joseph said: “The atmosphere at the Aviva is shocking. Something needs to be done about it.”
