Hallgrimsson dismisses ‘many lies’ over Bazunu’s Ireland withdrawal

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has rejected claims of unrest within his squad after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the two matches against the entity, insisting the team’s unity has not been affected.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, on the eve of Ireland’s Nations League qualifier against Austria, Hallgrimsson said “many lies” had circulated following Bazunu’s decision and firmly denied reports of a dressing-room crisis.

“Gavin is a great young man and I have always had a good relationship with him,” said the Icelandic manager. “It may be harder for him than for the other players, but they gave him a very warm welcome.

“There have been many lies about this subject, but we welcomed him back and he is involved with us. It is great, and I think his presence with us also shows his character.”

Hallgrimsson praised both Bazunu and the rest of the squad for the way they had handled his return.

“I want to commend him and the players for the way they welcomed him,” he added. “Life goes on. He is part of this group, and I think it shows how strong the bond between us is that even something like this will not unsettle us.”

Ireland, one of Europe’s strongest supporters of the Palestinian cause, has seen widespread protests calling for a boycott of the match. Bazunu subsequently announced that he would not take part in the two fixtures.

Despite the pressure, Sunday’s match went ahead and Ireland won 3-0 after a majority of the players voted to play it on the eve of their away fixture against Hungary. Local media reported that the vote had caused divisions within the squad and that Bazunu had been insulted by some team-mates.

Hallgrimsson dismissed those reports entirely.

Bazunu is available for Thursday’s home match against Austria but will not feature in Sunday’s game. The Football Association of Ireland has moved that fixture to Serbia, where it will be played behind closed doors for security reasons.

Azaz praised for handling scrutiny

The situation has also placed midfielder Finn Azaz under increased attention because of his heritage. He remained on the substitutes’ bench during the previous match.

Asked whether Azaz would play on Sunday, Hallgrimsson replied: “We are focusing on the Austria game, and you can ask me that question later.”

The manager nevertheless praised the way Azaz had responded to the situation.

“Finn showed amazing emotional control and awareness,” Hallgrimsson said. “He may be one of the people I admire most for the way he has conducted himself through all of this.”

With further protests expected during Thursday’s match in Dublin, Hallgrimsson said his attention remained on football rather than security arrangements.

“I focus on football and leave others to think about security,” he said. “The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that we will play both matches and we will follow that.

“It has been extremely difficult, but I firmly believe that, with time, we will see that our decisions were more right than wrong.”