Ireland and Israel draw again as players repeat pre-match protest

Ireland were held to a 1-1 draw by Israel in Serbia on Sunday as the players repeated a protest that had marked their previous meeting.

The Nations League fixture was played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena, with Ireland unable to protect the lead given to them by Troy Parrott.

Parrott opened the scoring from the penalty spot shortly before half-time after Jimmy Dunne was fouled inside the area. The striker has now scored four goals in his past three international appearances and has found the net in three consecutive matches.

Israel captain Dor Peretz levelled in the second half from close range. He reacted quickest after Oscar Gloukh’s shot struck Ireland defender Liam Scales and fell loose in the penalty area.

Both teams had chances to take all three points in a match played at a neutral venue. Ireland substitute Chiedozie Ogbene was denied by an impressive save from goalkeeper Asaf Tzur, while Israel hit the post and crossbar on separate occasions.

The result leaves Ireland third in the group, three points behind leaders Austria. Austria drew with Kosovo earlier on Sunday.

The match brought to an end a contentious international window, during which calls had grown in Ireland for the Football Association of Ireland to withdraw from its two fixtures against Israel because of the war in Gaza.

The Stop the Match campaign organised protests before and during Ireland’s meeting with Austria in Dublin. Despite the pressure, the Football Association of Ireland decided to fulfil both matches, with each game staged at a neutral ground.

Ireland’s players again used the fixture to make a protest. They did not shake hands with their Israel counterparts and bowed their heads while Israel’s national anthem was played.

They also wore black armbands in mourning for all those who have died in the war. Israel’s players wore black armbands in memory of those killed in the attacks of 7 October 2023.