Hallgrimsson confirms Ireland will play second Israel Nations League fixture despite widespread boycott

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed his side will play their second Nations League fixture against Israel on Sunday, honouring the Football Association of Ireland’s commitment to the tie despite widespread public opposition linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Speaking at a press conference this week, Hallgrimsson said the decision was never in doubt from his perspective. “Obviously, the FAI have said that we are playing both the games and we are going to fulfil that,” he said. “That was our intention when we came into this camp, and it’s still our intention. It’s been tough, especially on the players, it’s been really, really tough and everybody understands that.”

Ireland won the first meeting 3-0 at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Hungary, with goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan, but the match was surrounded by tension from the outset. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad citing personal beliefs, with defender Jimmy Dunne drafted onto the bench as a makeshift replacement. Captains Dara O’Shea and Manor Solomon declined to exchange pennants or shake hands following the referee’s coin toss.

During the Israeli national anthem, Ireland’s players and staff bowed their heads on the pitch and in the dugout, and wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the Gaza conflict.

Off the pitch, the fixture drew significant public backlash in Ireland. Thousands of supporters backed a viewing boycott, and hundreds of pubs that declined to screen the first game have pledged to do the same for Sunday’s reverse fixture.