Ireland boss Hallgrimsson says Israel match should not have been played

Heimir Hallgrimsson has continued his criticism of Israel, saying the two teams should not have been made to meet after Ireland’s 1-1 draw in the Nations League.

Ireland took the lead through Troy Parrott’s 39th-minute penalty, but Israel levelled after the interval to claim their second point in the group, where they remain bottom.

Speaking to RTE Sport, Republic of Ireland manager Hallgrimsson said: “I feel the intention of the Israeli side was to frighten us and lure us into doing something stupid.”

He added: “I don’t think the two teams should meet, but that is not for us to decide. It is the responsibility of UEFA. It is clear there is a great deal of support for Palestine in Ireland, as well as in some other countries. I would not wish what we experienced on any national team.”

The match was played in Serbia behind closed doors, having previously been staged in Hungary for the first meeting between the sides. The fixture had originally been scheduled to take place in Dublin, but the Football Association of Ireland said “operational challenges” could affect its ability to host the game.

That decision followed protests calling for Ireland not to play Israel. A friendly between Ireland and Qatar at the Aviva Stadium in May was stopped twice after protesters threw tennis balls carrying Palestinian flags on to the pitch.

Despite the circumstances surrounding the game, Ireland had won the first meeting between the teams 3-0 last week.

Before kick-off, Ireland’s players lowered their heads while Israel’s national anthem was played. They also wore black armbands and did not shake hands with their opponents before the match.

Hallgrimsson felt Ireland had been the better side, although he acknowledged that both teams struggled in the second half.

“I feel we were better than Israel,” he said. “Neither team played well in the second half, but I think that was because of fatigue, as well as mental and physical reasons. We had played four matches in different countries, so I am happy with the points we achieved.”

The result left Ireland third in the group on five points, ahead of Kosovo on head-to-head record. Austria lead the standings with eight points after four rounds.

Israel’s equaliser ensured they avoided a second defeat by Ireland, but they remain at the foot of the table after the latest round of Nations League fixtures.