Hallgrímsson urges UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel apart

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has called on UEFA to ensure that Ireland and Israel are not drawn together in future competitions after a volatile Nations League double‑header that ended in a 1‑1 draw in Serbia, where the nominal home match was played behind closed doors.

Match drama in Serbia

Ireland's nominal home fixture was staged behind closed doors in Serbia. Troy Parrott put the hosts ahead from the spot in the 39th minute, his penalty coming as part of a run that has seen him score ten goals in his last seven competitive internationals. Dor Peretz levelled two minutes after the restart, leaving the encounter at 1‑1.

A clash erupted between players and staff as the teams entered the tunnel at half‑time. The second half was tepid, with both sides lacking clinical finishing. No further goals were added.

Group implications

The draw leaves Ireland level on points with Kosovo and three points behind group leaders Austria. Hallgrímsson’s side still have a November international window to face both Austria and Kosovo, keeping their group‑winning hopes alive.

Speaking to, Hallgrímsson admitted disappointment with the result and the second‑half display, saying, “I feel that we are better than Israel, but we didn’t show it in the second half, I don’t know why.” He added that fatigue, both mental and physical, may have contributed to the lacklustre performance.

The manager said he would switch off for three or four days to reflect, and expected the FAI to do the same, reviewing the campaign and learning from the tests the team endured.

When asked whether Ireland and Israel should be drawn together for future Nations League or Euro 2028 qualifying, Hallgrímsson replied unequivocally, “No we shouldn’t… It’s UEFA that decides that.” He noted the strong support for Palestine in Ireland and said he would not wish any national team to experience what his side had endured.

Hallgrímsson concluded that the points earned are enough to be happy with and that the team can now focus on the two November fixtures, still with a chance to win the group.