Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has reaffirmed that his side will honor their upcoming Uefa Nations League fixture against Israel, dismissing suggestions that the match could be scrapped amid ongoing political controversy.
The confirmation comes just days after Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Hungary, a match that only went ahead after the squad held an internal vote on whether to participate. That decision followed weeks of mounting pressure from campaigners urging the Football Association of Ireland to withdraw from fixtures against Israel due to the war in Gaza. The 'Stop The Game' campaign, backed by Irish Sport for Palestine, had sent an open letter earlier in the week demanding Ireland pull out of the behind-closed-doors encounter, which was played in Serbia.
Speaking ahead of Thursday's Nations League clash with Austria in Dublin, Hallgrimsson made clear that there was never any real doubt in his mind about fulfilling both fixtures against Israel. "The FAI has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention," he said. "We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games."
The build-up to the first Israel match was chaotic, with Ireland's pre-match press conference delayed by more than five hours after players held a private meeting to discuss whether to proceed. FAI chief executive David Courell later revealed that a squad vote had passed by a "significant majority" in favor of playing. Despite going ahead with the fixture, the Irish players made a symbolic gesture of protest, refusing to take part in customary pre-match formalities, wearing black armbands, and bowing their heads during the playing of Israel's national anthem.
Tensions surrounding fixtures involving politically sensitive opponents are not new for Irish football. During a friendly against Qatar back in May, play at the team's most recent home fixture was halted when supporters threw tennis balls adorned with the Palestinian flag onto the pitch.
Asked whether he anticipated similar disruptions during Thursday's meeting with group leaders Austria, Hallgrimsson insisted his attention remained solely on football matters. "I must focus on football. I will let others think about security and those things," he said. "We are playing Austria, the highest-ranked team in the group. I'm not going to allow outside noise to affect me focusing on football."
One player who has taken a personal stance on the issue is goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who opted out of both fixtures against Israel, stating it "would be wrong to participate." The Bolton stopper has since returned to full training with the squad ahead of the Austria game, and Hallgrimsson used the opportunity to publicly back his goalkeeper while pushing back against what he described as inaccurate reporting surrounding the situation.
"Gavin is a great lad. I've always had a good relationship with him and it's probably more tough for him than the other players, but they have really welcomed him," Hallgrimsson said. "There's been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcome him back and he's taken part, amazing."
The manager praised Bazunu's character for staying with the group despite his personal stance, as well as the rest of the squad for their support. "I think it shows his character, as well, to be with us, so I want to give him praise for that," he added. "I want to give the players praise for how welcome they have been with him. Life goes on. He is a part of this group and I think that shows how strong the bond is between these players that even a thing like this is not breaking us."
With Bazunu unavailable for the second Israel fixture, Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley has been called up as his replacement in the squad.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.