Austria match halted as Israel protest erupts at Aviva Stadium
The Ireland‑Austria Nations League tie at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium was twice stopped in the 20th and 36th minutes after protestors hurled tennis balls bearing a Palestine flag onto the pitch, prompting security staff to intervene. The disruptions came as demonstrators voiced opposition to Israel ahead of Ireland’s second Nations League fixture with the side later this week.
First interruption with tennis balls
In the 20th minute, numerous balls emblazoned with a Palestine flag were lobbed onto the playing surface, forcing the referee to suspend play for a couple of minutes. Supporters hurled the tennis balls onto the pitch, echoing a similar protest that used tennis balls at the Aviva Stadium after a friendly against Qatar in June. Security staff quickly collected the balls, an effort captured in the View 3 Images gallery.
Second pause and security action
A second interruption occurred in the 36th minute when a protestor attempted to invade the pitch, brandishing another Palestine‑flagged ball. Security personnel swiftly tackled the individual, preventing any further intrusion and allowing the match to resume. The rapid response underscored the heightened vigilance of stadium staff amid the volatile atmosphere.
Comments Sport Scott Trotter Sports Writer noted that the Stop the Game campaign had gathered outside the Aviva Stadium before kick‑off, demanding that Ireland boycott the Nations League fixtures with Israel during the international break. The movement’s demands have intensified after the earlier protest, highlighting the political dimension surrounding the sporting event.
Earlier this week, Ireland proceeded with a controversial match against Israel despite a turbulent period behind closed doors. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, citing unease over the atrocities unfolding in Gaza. During that encounter, Irish players did not shake hands and looked down during the Israeli national anthem, actions that angered Israel captain Manor Solomon.
"They said nonsense during the game, I don’t want to talk about them," Solomon said. "I’m already looking forward to the next game against them, it’s going to be completely different."
Heimir Hallgrímsson reaffirmed the Football Association of Ireland’s commitment to fulfil the upcoming Israel fixture in Serbia, stating, "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. We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games."
Hundreds of pubs across Ireland refused to broadcast the first Israel match and plan to do the same for the Sunday encounter, while protests have also been reported outside the team’s hotel in Dublin. The dual interruptions, however, did not alter the schedule, and the Nations League tie will continue as planned.