Drogheda United co-chairperson Joanna Byrne has been removed from her role by the club's owners, the Trivela Group. The decision comes after Byrne made comments about the Republic of Ireland's scheduled Nations League fixtures with Israel. Byrne had said she was 'angry and dismayed' that the Republic of Ireland will fulfill the fixtures in September and October, adding 'Israel should not be in this competition'. The Trivela Group said Byrne was not being asked to resign over her political views or beliefs, but because of 'a statement made regarding private discussions with Club ownership'. In a statement, the Trivela Group confirmed that Byrne had been removed as a director of the club. The board of directors now consists of Benjamin Boycott, Marc Koretzky, Barton Lee, and club CEO Rian Wogan. Mr. Boycott will serve as the sole chairperson for the time being, and the club will look to appoint a local director and co-chair in due course. Byrne has released a statement saying she remains 'deeply committed to Drogheda United' and wants 'to see it flourish'. She added that she carried herself with integrity at all times in recent weeks, for the good of the club. The Trivela Group's decision has been met with criticism from Byrne, who said it was a 'cold, underhand move' initiated in the dark of the night, without any consultation with her. The incident has sparked debate about the role of politics in football and the relationship between clubs and their owners.