Ireland held to draw by Israel in Nations League meeting

Ireland were held to a 1-1 draw by Israel in the fourth round of the Nations League, repeating several of the actions seen before their previous meeting but unable to claim another victory.

The match was played in Serbia without spectators, although it had originally been scheduled to take place in Dublin. The Football Association of Ireland said “operational challenges” could affect its ability to stage the fixture at home.

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

Ireland had won the first meeting between the sides 3-0 last week.

Before kick-off in Serbia, 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.

Ireland took the lead in the 39th minute when Troy Parrott converted a penalty. That advantage lasted until the second half, when Israel scored an equaliser to claim their second point in the group, which they occupy at the bottom of the table.

The result leaves Ireland third on five points, level with Kosovo but above them on head-to-head record. Austria lead the standings with eight points after four rounds.