Republic of Ireland vs Israel LIVE: Controversial Nations League clash latest score, news and updates | OneFootball

Tensions are high after public protests and political backlash

The Republic of Ireland and Israel lock horns once more this evening amid tensions between the two countries relating to the conflict in Gaza. A sense of unease began to settle in when Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson made strong comments in the build-up to the first match between the pair in the Nations League at the beginning of the international break.

The Icelandic boss remarked that his side would be “playing against genocide” before the two met in Debrecen, Hungary, two weeks ago - a match that Ireland won 3-0. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu also withdrew from the Ireland squad over his beliefs concerns about the conflict in Palestine, and the Israeli FA took aim at Hallgrimsson’s comments in a fiery response on social media thereafter.

This match will take place behind closed doors in Serbia with the Irish FA moving the affair to a neutral location as a result of security concerns. Bazunu, the Bolton shot-stopper, has again withdrawn from the squad in a refusal to face Israel, while Hallgrimsson’s press conference was halted abruptly. Keep up to date with all the latest from the TSC Arena with our live blog below.