Hallgrimsson warns second Israel clash will be anything but friendly
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson warned on Monday that the side’s second game against Israel will not be a friendly, after heated comments from the Israeli camp and a 3‑0 win in Hungary that saw goals from Troy Parrot, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.
The story was published by Sports writer Daniel Orme and carries the View and Images tags.
Tensions over the Israel fixtures
The two nations were slated to meet twice during the international break, but the first encounter in Hungary was almost cancelled after calls for Ireland to boycott the Nations League tie because of Israel’s military action in Gaza. A UN‑commissioned inquiry previously concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians. More than 73,000 people have been killed following Israeli strikes that were launched in response to the Hamas attack on the Nova Festival on 7 October 2023, an incident that killed approximately 1,200 people.
Hallgrimsson’s preparation and player availability
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel matches, saying it would be wrong to take part, and the squad voted to fulfil the fixture. Hallgrimsson, a 59‑year‑old, said the medical team will work day and night to keep the players fit and fresh, adding that the upcoming game will be “tricky and challenging” both physically and mentally. He stressed that it is “just another football match, but there is more at stake for all of us.”
Logistics and venue
The Republic of Ireland will travel to Serbia for what is being treated as a ‘home’ game, with the match scheduled behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in the northern town of Backa Topola. Hallgrimsson said he knows “absolutely nothing” about the town, only that the hotel is near the stadium and the airport is a one‑and‑a‑half hour drive away. He noted the four‑game window has been strange, contrasting the prospect of playing in front of 45,000 or 50,000 supporters with the reality of an empty stadium.
Israel’s West Ham winger Manor Solomon fired a blunt remark after the 3‑0 win, stating “Obviously they hate us, and we don’t like them.” Hallgrimsson replied that the second clash “is not going to be a friendly” and praised the loud support from Irish fans, despite the “Stop The Game” protest outside Aviva Stadium. He admitted he did not know what to expect but appreciated the fans’ presence.
After the victory over Israel, Hallgrimsson’s side sit third in their Nations League group with four points from three games. They drew 2‑2 with Austria in Dublin, a match in which Troy Parrott scored a first‑half double, and will finish the window with a showdown against Austria in Linz. The coach said fatigue from “everything going on” had affected the players in the Austria game.
With political tension still simmering and fan protests echoing across Europe, Hallgrimsson insists the focus must remain on preparation, hoping the backing of supporters will give the squad the extra pride needed for the Sunday encounter.