Ireland confirm second Nations League match against Israel will go ahead

Summarised from 7 outlets · 10 reports · Updated 2 Oct, 12:10 · Archive

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed the team will play Israel in a Nations League fixture on Sunday despite public opposition.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed that Ireland will play their second Nations League match against Israel on Sunday, despite significant public opposition to the fixture.

The decision comes after widespread protests in Ireland calling for the team to boycott the game. Thousands of supporters have signed a petition against the match, and some Irish pubs have blacklisted the fixture. The match will be played behind closed doors.

Ireland played their first match against Israel last weekend despite unease among some players over Israel's war in Gaza. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both games between the two countries. Hallgrimsson claimed 'a lot of lies' were told over Bazunu's decision to withdraw, and he does not anticipate any problems with Sunday's match going ahead.

Hallgrimsson stated he must 'focus on football' and indicated that the fixture will proceed as scheduled. The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the team will fulfil their fixture obligations.

Some outlets report that the decision has prompted calls for the football board to resign over its 'shambolic' handling of the Israel games. Ireland has previously been one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israel's actions in Gaza.

How it is being reported

• ‘A lot of lies’: Ireland manager hits out over coverage of Bazunu exit from Israel gameKeeper pulled out of both Nations League games Hallgrimsson confident Sunday’s match will go ahead Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has claimed “a lot of lies” were told over keeper Gavin Bazunu’s decision to withdraw from the Nations League game against Israel last weekend, and he does not anticipate any problems with Sunday’s match going ahead. Ireland are one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, and protests calling for the team to boycott the fixture prompted Bazunu to pull out of both games between the two countries. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 30 Sept, 15:55
• Ireland WILL play Israel on Sunday: Manager confirms rivals will meet again after goalkeeper refused to play amid 'Stop The Game' protestRepublic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed their second Nations League match against Israel will go ahead this weekend despite calls for a boycott.Daily Mail Sport · 30 Sept, 15:40
• Republic of Ireland will play second Israel game - HallgrimssonRepublic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says the team's second Uefa Nations League game against Israel will go ahead as planned.BBC News · 30 Sept, 12:52
• Ireland vs Israel Nations League match will go ahead, coach confirmsThe Football Association of Ireland says the team will fulfill the second fixture despite public opposition.Al Jazeera · 30 Sept, 12:36
• Ireland make decision on playing second fixture against IsraelHeimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed Ireland will fulfil its fixture against Israel (Credits: Brian Lawless/PA Wire) Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed his side will fulfil their second Nations League fixture against Israel on Sunday, insisting he must ‘focus on football’…Metro · 30 Sept, 12:08
• Ireland boss confirms second match against Israel will go ahead as he vows to ‘focus on football’Republic of Ireland faced Israel last weekend and the two teams are scheduled to meet again on SundayIndependent Sport · 30 Sept, 11:34
• Ireland make decision on boycotting second Israel Nations League match after protestsHeimir Hallgrimsson has spoken to the media regarding the Republic of Irelands upcoming Nations League reverse with Israel, following fan protests regarding the gameThe Mirror · 30 Sept, 11:03
• Ireland football board urged to resign over ‘shambolic’ handling of Israel gamesRepublic of Ireland opted to play their game against Israel on Sunday, and the two sides are due to face each other again this weekendIndependent Sport · 29 Sept, 16:54
• Ireland undecided on approach for next game against Israel, coach saysIreland played the first Nations League game despite unease among some players over Israel's genocidal war in Gaza.Al Jazeera · 29 Sept, 16:33
• Revealed: Ireland have NOT decided whether to play second Israel match on Sunday - as Irish pubs blacklist fixture and thousands sign petition to stop the gameIreland have not decided whether they will play Sunday's 'home' behind-closed-doors fixture with Israel in Serbia, with thousands of fans backing a boycott.Daily Mail Sport · 29 Sept, 09:52

In this story: Republic of Ireland · Israel · Heimir Hallgrimsson · Gavin Bazunu · Gaza · Football Association of Ireland

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log