A friendly football match between the Republic of Ireland and Qatar in Dublin was disrupted twice on Thursday after protesters threw tennis balls printed with the Palestinian flag onto the pitch at Aviva Stadium, halting play at the 10- and 20-minute marks. The protests reflect mounting tension over Ireland's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, scheduled for September 27 at a neutral venue and October 4 in Dublin — matches that have become a flashpoint for activists, politicians, and footballers alike.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) passed a motion in November last year, backed by 93 percent of its members, calling on UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from European competition. UEFA declined to act on the request. Despite the pressure, the FAI has confirmed both fixtures will go ahead, warning that a refusal to play could expose the organisation and players to disciplinary measures. Earlier this month, prominent Irish footballers joined celebrities in a public campaign calling for a boycott of the matches.

Ireland's manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson, an Icelander who has previously publicly backed calls for Israel to be banned from international football, struck an uncomfortable tone at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, telling reporters he did not want Ireland to be cast as