Ireland-Israel press conference cut short after heated exchanges
Israeli journalists confront Ireland coach over Gaza stance and player conduct, prompting FAI officials to end the briefing abruptly.
KEY POINTS
- Press conference in Serbia ended early after confrontations with Israeli journalists
- Irish players protested during first match: no handshakes, heads lowered for anthem, black armbands worn
- Squad voted to play despite unease over Gaza war; goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refused to travel
- Israeli journalists questioned coach on Flydubai incident and alleged players called opponents "monkeys"
- FAI denied racism allegations; Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised Ireland's stance
The Republic of Ireland's pre-match press conference in Bačka Topola, Serbia, was terminated early on Saturday after Israeli journalists questioned head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson about the Gaza conflict and alleged racism by Irish players. An FAI press officer repeatedly intervened, stating "we are not doing any questions like this" and rejecting racism claims as "completely untrue." The briefing ended abruptly after a reporter shouted "don't touch me" as a microphone was removed.
Tensions stemmed from the first Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, where Ireland won 3-0. Irish players wore black armbands, lowered heads during the Israeli anthem, and refused handshakes or pennant exchanges. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu declined to travel for political reasons, and the squad voted on whether to play at all.
“We are not doing any questions like this. We are doing football questions.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Dublin of being on "the wrong side of history" following the first match. The return fixture takes place Sunday in Serbia after the FAI declined to host in Ireland citing security concerns. Hallgrimsson said surviving the week together would be a "massive win."
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