Ireland press conference ahead of Israel game in Nations League cut short

BACKA TOPOLA, Serbia (AP) — Ireland’s press conference ahead of its contentious Nations League game against Israel was abruptly ended Saturday when a journalist asked coach Heimir Hallgrimsson about alleged racism by Irish players during last week’s match between the teams.

Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 last Sunday but only after Irish players took a vote on whether or not to go ahead with the game, due to bitter opposition in Ireland over Israel’s actions in Gaza.

On Saturday, an Israeli journalist alleged that Irish players made racist comments, which promoted an immediate rebuke from Football Association of Ireland communications manager Kieran Crowley: “That’s completely untrue.” The press conference was then ended.

Sunday’s game — Ireland is the “home” team — is being held in Backa Topola, Serbia, without any fans present.

The FAI moved the game to an neutral venue for “operational reasons” in June following widespread calls in Ireland for a boycott. It also followed the FAI’s own motion the previous November calling on UEFA to ban Israel from club and international competitions.

The FAI has resisted calls for a boycott, arguing the team could be hit with sanctions by UEFA. Ireland is co-hosting the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland.

Last Sunday’s game was held in Debrecen, Hungary, where Irish players wore black armbands. The FAI was investigating whether Ireland forward Adam Idah was racially abused during the match. A small number of Israel supporters had attended.

On Thursday, Ireland’s game against Austria in Dublin was briefly interrupted by protesters throwing tennis balls bearing Palestinian flags.

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