The Republic of Ireland's pre-match press conference in Backa Topola, Serbia, was abruptly ended on Saturday after Israeli journalists put contentious questions to head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, a day before the two sides meet in a Nations League match.
One journalist asked about an incident on a Flydubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, which Emirati judicial authorities and Israeli officials have described as a "terrorist act". An Irish press officer said the team was taking only football questions. Another journalist then alleged that Irish players had called Israeli players "monkeys" during the first match. A Football Association of Ireland (FAI) official, identified by The Hindu as communications manager Kieran Crowley, repeatedly said this was "completely untrue". The reporter's microphone was taken away, he protested, "Don't touch me", and the Irish delegation ended the session.
The row follows a fraught first meeting last Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, which Ireland won 3-0. Irish players had voted on whether to play at all, given strong opposition in Ireland to Israel's actions in the war in Gaza. Some players had reportedly not wanted to take part, and reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew. During the match the Irish wore black armbands in recognition of victims of the conflict, did not shake hands with the Israeli captain, and lowered their heads during the Israeli anthem. Separately, the FAI is investigating reports that Irish forward Adam Idah was racially abused by Israeli supporters during that game.
The return fixture, with Ireland as the nominal home side, is being played without fans in Serbia. The FAI moved it from Ireland in June for "operational reasons" after widespread boycott calls. The association has resisted a boycott, arguing UEFA could sanction the team. It had also, last November, backed a motion urging UEFA to ban Israel from competitions. Ireland is due to co-host the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland. On Thursday, a home game against Austria in Dublin was briefly interrupted by protesters throwing tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags.
Hallgrimsson, an Icelander, earlier this week angered the Israeli football association by saying his team had to play "two games against genocide", according to NOS. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has accused Dublin of being on "the wrong side of history". Speaking on Saturday, Hallgrimsson said "surviving as a group after this game" would be a big win, acknowledging that strong emotions in Ireland affect the players. He said the squad now holds a short prayer and huddle before matches to "cool our heads".
The episode shows how the war in Gaza continues to spill into international sport, placing players, coaches and federations under political pressure that extends beyond the pitch. Kick-off on Sunday is at 20:45 local time.