Ireland manager calls on UEFA to act after tense Nations League meetings with Israel

Haimir Hallgrimsson has urged UEFA to intervene to prevent Ireland from facing Israel again after a deeply contentious international break that featured two Nations League matches between the sides.

The Ireland manager was speaking after his team drew 1-1 with Israel in a behind-closed-doors match in Backa Topola, Serbia. The fixture brought an end to a turbulent period marked by intense debate and confrontations involving the two camps.

“I would not wish what we have been through over the past two weeks on any national team,” Hallgrimsson said. “Our entire organisation has been put under enormous pressure, and perhaps UEFA should step in and take the necessary action.”

The latest game was played in a tense atmosphere, with the hostility reportedly continuing in the dressing rooms at half-time. There were also reports that an Israel player spat at Ireland fitness coach Derek Doyle.

Hallgrimsson admitted he was disappointed by the result but said he was relieved that the two matches were over.

“I think we are better than Israel, but we did not show that in the second half, perhaps because of the mental and physical exhaustion,” he said. “This camp has been extremely difficult.”

He added: “I am very happy the match is finished and that we can now focus on next month. We can still win the group, and I would have accepted this position even before we started.”

Ireland had beaten Israel 3-0 in the previous meeting the week before, but the two matches were overshadowed by protests and political tension connected to the conflict in Gaza.

As in the earlier fixture, Ireland’s players took a knee while Israel’s national anthem was played. They also wore black armbands in solidarity with victims of the conflict in Gaza. Israel’s players wore black armbands as well, after receiving permission from UEFA.

Hallgrimsson also criticised the decision to stage the match without supporters, saying the absence of a crowd had affected the tempo and character of the contest.

“It felt like a friendly match,” he said. “The pace was slow, and in circumstances like these the players need as much encouragement as possible.”

The Ireland manager said the pressure surrounding the two fixtures had affected the whole setup, while stressing that his side remained capable of finishing top of the group. The draw leaves Ireland with that target still within reach, despite a demanding international window that Hallgrimsson described as unusually difficult.