Ireland presses ahead with Israel rematch as tensions flare at press conference
Ireland faces Israel in a Nations League rematch on Sunday after Gaza tensions disrupted Saturday's press conference.
Ireland and Israel play their Nations League return match in Serbia on Sunday, three days after Ireland won 3-0 in Hungary in their first match. During the opening game, Irish players wore protest armbands and lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
There were no captain handshakes. The Football Association of Ireland refused to host the return match at home.
They cited security concerns. On Saturday, tensions erupted during Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson's pre-match press conference.
Israeli journalists asked tough questions about the team's political stance. An FAI official stopped the questioning and ended the conference suddenly.
Hallgrímsson told reporters that UEFA should think about whether the nations should play each other again. He cited player welfare concerns.
He also cited the larger geopolitical tensions around the match.
- Ireland 3-0 Israel
- First match result
- Hungary
- First match location
- Backa Topola, Serbia
- Return match location
- Sunday
- Return match date
Why it mattersThe disrupted press conference shows how deeply Gaza tensions have affected international football. They have strained normal rules around a sporting match.
AustraliaAustralian football fans following international football see how geopolitical conflict is now affecting UEFA fixtures and the normal conduct of football diplomacy.
Open this story in InSnip →
