DUBLIN: Ireland have not yet decided whether they will proceed with their second Nations League fixture against Israel, with coach Heimir Hallgrimsson saying the squad remains divided over the upcoming match.
Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday after a tense build-up in which players discussed whether to take part in the fixture.
The return match is scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) moved the game away from Dublin, citing operational challenges.
Speaking after the match, Hallgrimsson said the team would hold further discussions before making a decision.
“We haven’t decided what we will do 100 percent,” Hallgrimsson said, according to Irish media.
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The coach added that players would first spend time with their families before returning to prepare for Ireland’s match against Austria.
Squad holds different views
Hallgrimsson said there were different opinions among the players regarding the fixture.
“I think we are all uncomfortable, number one,” he said.
“Number two, we have different opinions, and we should allow people to have different opinions. It’s not one opinion that’s right and all the others are wrong.”
During Sunday’s match in Debrecen, Ireland’s players wore black armbands and lowered their heads during Israel’s national anthem. The teams also skipped the traditional pre-match handshake and exchange of pennants.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the only Ireland player to withdraw from the fixture, saying he did not want to participate in either match due to concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza.
Previous calls over fixture
The Nations League meetings between Ireland and Israel have faced calls from some groups to be boycotted since the draw was made in February.
The FAI had previously requested UEFA to suspend Israel but did not receive enough support from European football authorities.
Hallgrimsson said the players’ actions during the first match had drawn international attention.
The final decision on Ireland’s participation in the Serbia fixture will be made after discussions within the squad.
