The Republic of Ireland will proceed with their second UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel as scheduled, head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed. Speaking ahead of Thursday's encounter with Austria in Dublin, Hallgrimsson reaffirmed the Football Association of Ireland's commitment to fulfilling both matches in the competition, stating that this remains the squad's intention despite external pressure to withdraw from the contests.
The decision comes following Ireland's 3-0 victory over Israel in Hungary on Sunday, which was preceded by significant controversy. The Republic of Ireland's pre-match news conference was postponed as players held a squad meeting to vote on whether to participate in the fixture. When proceedings resumed more than five hours later, FAI chief executive David Courell revealed that the vote to play passed by a "significant majority." The 'Stop The Game' campaign, organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, had issued an open letter this week urging Ireland to withdraw from Sunday's behind-closed-doors match in Serbia. However, despite these calls, the players ultimately decided to engage in the contest, during which they wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem, while declining to participate in pre-match formalities.
Individual player circumstances have added layers of complexity to the situation. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel games, stating he felt it "would be wrong to participate." However, Bazunu has since returned to training with the squad ahead of the Austria match. Hallgrimsson praised the Bolton player's character and the squad's handling of the situation, emphasising that misinformation had circulated regarding Bazunu's decision. Josh Keeley of Luton will replace Bazunu in the squad for the second Israel game. Midfielder Finn Azaz, who has family links to Israel through his mother, was an unused substitute in Sunday's 3-0 victory, with Hallgrimsson highlighting the Southampton player's "incredible emotional control" throughout the ordeal.
Hallgrimsson has maintained focus on the football itself, declining to be distracted by ongoing protests and external commentary. With Austria representing the highest-ranked team in the group, the Ireland boss is determined to concentrate on competitive matters, stating he will allow others to handle security considerations. The squad's resolve to fulfil both fixtures underscores their commitment to the Nations League campaign, regardless of the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the matches.