Ireland boss confirms second match against Israel will go ahead as he vows to ‘focus on football’ | OneFootball

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed his team will play their upcoming Nations League match against Israel on Sunday, maintaining that he must "focus on football" despite ongoing demonstrations.

Campaign group Stop the Game has urged supporters to gather outside the Aviva Stadium prior to Thursday's fixture against Austria, protesting against matches they argue serve to "sportswash genocide".

Following a squad vote regarding participation, Ireland secured a 3-0 win against Israel last weekend and are set to meet them once more in Serbia on Sunday, amid widespread national debate.

"I must focus on football. I’m going to let others think about security and other things," Hallgrimsson remarked during his pre-match press conference.

"I am not going to allow outside noise to affect me focusing on football. I must give those thoughts to others that care of security."

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Ireland and Israel are due to face each other for the second time in a week (Reuters)

When asked if the players had approached him about holding another meeting regarding the return fixture against Israel, he stated: "No, they haven’t.

"Obviously the FAI has said that we are playing both the games and we are going to fulfil that. That was our intention when we came into this camp and that is still our intention.

"It’s been tough, especially on the players. It’s been really tough. Like all of this camp we almost take it day by day. (But) that is already decided that we are going to fulfil the games."

Southampton midfielder Finn Azaz has strong familial links to Israel on his mother’s side and reportedly addressed his team-mates passionately during their deliberations.

He was not selected in the first game against Israel, with Hallgrimsson concluding he was "in a different position to other players" but may come back into consideration against Austria.

Whether or not he features in the trip to Serbia has yet to be decided, but Hallgrimsson spoke in glowing terms about the way the 26-year-old has conducted himself during a trying time.

"Finn has shown incredible emotional control, emotional awareness," he said.

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Gavin Bazunu (left) has refused to play against Israel (PA)

"He’s been one of the persons I admire the most in the world at this moment…in how he conducted himself in all of this. It’s about being a member of a team so you need to listen to all opinions.

"I don’t have words to explain, you wouldn’t understand. Inside camp, he has so much respect within this group of players. Walking the extra mile to be part of this team is just amazing."

Hallgrimsson also offered support to Gavin Bazunu, who chose to opt out of the Israel games on principle. He will remain with the group for the Austria game, with Luton’s Josh Keeley called up to provide cover for the subsequent Israel clash.

“Gavin is a great lad. It’s probably more tough for him than the other players,” said Hallgrimsson.

“There has been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcome him back. He is taking part amazingly. It shows his character as well, to be with us. I want to give him praise for that and the players praise for how welcome they have been with him. I think it shows how strong the bond is between the players. Even a thing like this is not breaking us.”