Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed that the national team will proceed with their second UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel, scheduled to be played behind closed doors in Serbia. The decision comes after the squad voted to fulfill the initial match, which they won 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday.
The game faced significant external pressure due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. The pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, through their ‘Stop The Game’ campaign, issued an open letter urging the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to cancel the fixture. However, Hallgrimsson stated that the intention to play both matches remained unchanged from the start of the camp.
“The FAI has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention,” Hallgrimsson said ahead of Thursday’s group match against Austria in Dublin. He also noted that he was unaware of any recent squad meeting regarding the second fixture.
Doubts about the first match arose after the pre-match news conference was postponed by more than five hours, allegedly due to a players’ meeting. When the conference finally took place, FAI chief executive David Courell revealed that the players voted by a “significant majority” to continue with the game. During that match, players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, while not engaging in other pre-match formalities.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu initially made himself unavailable for both Israel games, stating he felt it would be wrong to participate. However, he has since returned to training with the squad. Hallgrimsson praised Bazunu’s character and highlighted the supportive environment within the team, dismissing what he described as misinformation surrounding the goalkeeper’s initial decision. Luton town keeper Josh Keeley will replace Bazunu in the squad for the Serbia fixture.
Hallgrimsson also spoke highly of midfielder Finn Azaz, who has family ties to Israel. Azaz was an unused substitute in the 3-0 victory, and Hallgrimsson commended his emotional composure and professionalism throughout the controversy.
When asked about the potential for protests during the upcoming Austria game, Hallgrimsson maintained a focus on football. “I must focus on football. I will let others think about security and those things,” he said, adding that he would not allow outside noise to distract from facing the highest-ranked team in their group.
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