Agricola Borcea Overview

'UEFA needs to step in!' - Hallgrimsson calls to keep Ireland and Israel apart

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has urged European football's governing body to prevent his side from facing Israel in future tournaments following two ill-tempered Nations League encounters. Both clashes were staged behind closed doors on neutral ground, with political tensions culminating in heated scuffles both on the pitch and inside the tunnel.

Ireland manager breaks his silence: what happened against the Zionist entity went beyond football

UEFA was called upon to intervene

Ireland refuse handshakes and bow heads in 1-1 Israel draw

Republic of Ireland players continued their political protests ahead of a tense Nations League clash with Israel in Serbia. Captain Caoimhin Kelleher refused a pre-match handshake with opposing skipper Dor Peretz, while the Irish team bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. The politically charged behind-closed-doors fixture ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ireland press conference ended immediately after accusation by Israeli journalist

Scandal before Israel match: press conference has to be abandoned

Ireland’s press conference before the explosive Nations League second leg against Israel was called off after an altercation with Israeli reporters.

Ireland manager abandons press conference after explosive Israeli racism claims

The Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson abruptly concluded his press conference following a tense altercation. An Israeli journalist levelled severe allegations against his squad, claiming they directed racist remarks at their players. The heated exchange forced officials to intervene and halt the briefing just one day before their highly anticipated Nations League rematch.