Israeli journalist alleges racism by Ireland players as presser ends early before Serbia rematch | OneFootball

According to Le Progres, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Saturday press conference was halted after confrontational exchanges with Israeli reporters on the eve of Sunday’s Nations League return in Serbia at 20:45.

The briefing turned chaotic a week after Ireland’s 3-0 win, with the Icelandic coach facing vehement questioning.

He was first pressed about an incident on a FlyDubai flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv, where a co-pilot allegedly tried to seize control to carry out a terrorist attack.

Another Israeli journalist then asserted that Ireland’s players had called Israel’s players monkeys, a claim Irish press officer Kieran Crowley said was completely false.

A further federation media official attempted to remove the microphone as tempers rose. Hallgrimsson stood to end proceedings, apparently on his press officer’s advice, then continued speaking in the corridor with reporters from his country. Insults were reportedly exchanged among those who remained inside.

In the first leg on 27 September in Debrecen, also on neutral ground, Ireland bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem and their captain declined the pennant exchange, in protest at the Israeli army’s offensive in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Ireland has long supported the Palestinian cause, while Israel accuses it of legitimising Hamas, an Islamist and nationalist movement. Several Israeli players, led by captain Manor Solomon, criticised the Irish stance.

The FAI is investigating possible racist behaviour by Israeli supporters towards Adam Idah and James Abankwah. Sunday’s rematch is in Backa Topola after Irish authorities refused to stage the game at home.

Source: Le Progres

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