Hallgrimsson Leaves Press Conference After Israel Racism Claim
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson left his scheduled press conference in Backa Topola after an exchange with an Israeli journalist over an allegation he and the Football Association of Ireland rejected immediately. The dispute came before Sunday’s Nations League meeting with Israel in Serbia, a match to be played without spectators.
Press conference ends early
- An Israeli reporter alleged during the briefing that Ireland players had used a racist term towards Israel’s team in the sides’ first match.
- An Ireland press officer intervened at once, describing the accusation as wholly false.
- The reporter maintained that the allegation was not fabricated while officials attempted to remove the microphone.
- Hallgrimsson then left the room, having described the exchange as a verbal attack, and continued his media commitments outside with Irish journalists.
- Questions unrelated to the match, including one concerning a diverted flight, also featured in the curtailed session.
Background to the rematch
The initial Ireland-Israel fixture earlier this week was played amid significant attention on the conflict involving Israel. Ireland’s squad voted to wear black armbands, bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and did not take part in the customary pennant exchange.
The FAI has also begun an internal inquiry following separate claims that striker Adam Idah received racist abuse from Israeli supporters during that first game.
Israel captain Manor Solomon responded angrily to Ireland’s actions after the earlier meeting. The forward said he believed the Irish players disliked Israel and claimed there had been provocative comments during the game. He said he would not express every view he held because it could lead to a suspension, but promised Israel would answer on the pitch in the return fixture.
Solomon also dismissed the anthem-related gesture, said Israel’s players were proud to represent their country and its soldiers, and insisted that Ireland’s actions would not alter that commitment.
Focus turns to Sunday
Ireland and Israel meet again on Sunday in Serbia, with the game taking place behind closed doors. Hallgrimsson will seek to keep his players centred on the Nations League contest and the importance of securing a result despite the escalating off-field tension surrounding the fixture.
