
After a heated argument between Israeli journalists and the Irish delegation, the media meeting before the second leg in Serbia was ended early.
AI-generated summary
Ireland officially recognized the state of Palestine in 2024, leading to diplomatic tensions with Israel. The Nations League game will take place in Serbia due to security concerns.
Ireland's press conference before the explosive Nations League second leg against Israel was canceled after an argument with Israeli reporters.
Because of Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack, there were calls for a boycott in Ireland in the run-up to the Nations League. Since the start of the Israeli military offensive in October 2023, the Republic of Ireland has been one of the European countries that have particularly clearly expressed their support for the Palestinians. Israel's right to exist is expressly emphasized, at the same time Dublin officially recognized the state of Palestine in 2024.
Tensions have increased in recent weeks ahead of the game between Ireland and Israel on Sunday (8.45 p.m./DAZN), which will be played in Backa Topola/Serbia due to security concerns.
In the first leg in Hungary, the players refrained from the usual gestures of fairness. The Irish bowed their heads when the Israeli anthem was played. Israeli authorities condemned the actions. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Dublin of being "on the wrong side of history."
On Saturday, Irish national coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was available to answer questions until journalists from Israel demanded his assessment of the alleged attack on Wednesday on a Flydubai plane with 174 passengers on board. The co-pilot of the Flydubai plane attacked the pilot with the emergency ax on a flight from Dubai to Israel. However, the passengers were able to overpower him, so that the plane later landed safely. The Emirati authorities classified the incident as an “act of terrorism”.
Dispute escalates at press conference
"What do you say to the people who support you? Your ideology is based on murder," said one journalist, adding: "This week alone, one of them tried to kill 170 Israeli passengers, including 27 innocent children and thousands more." Questions of this kind would not be accepted, replied the Irish press spokesman.
Another journalist then turned to the Irish coach: "Your players call our players monkeys during the game..." he said, but was then interrupted by an official who repeatedly insisted: "That's completely untrue." At the same time, the reporter's microphone was taken away. "Don't touch me," he shouted, prompting the Irish delegation to abruptly end the press conference.

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