Hallgrimsson relieved as Ireland end turbulent window with Israel draw
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says he is glad a difficult two-week international window is over after a 1-1 draw with Israel, during which the squad faced boycott calls, a player withdrawal and a curtailed press conference.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has expressed relief that a demanding international window has ended, after his side closed it with a 1-1 draw against Israel in the Serbian town of Backa Topola. The match was played behind closed doors, capping a fortnight in which Ireland played four games, only one at home, and travelled roughly 5,000 miles. The result left Ireland with five points from a possible 12.
The window was overshadowed by pressure from the group Irish Sport for Palestine, whose 'Stop The Game' campaign called for a boycott of the Israel fixtures because of the Israel-Gaza war. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for those games, saying he felt it would be wrong to participate, and the remaining players held a vote on whether to proceed. Ireland won last week's match in Debrecen 3-0.
Tensions also surfaced away from the pitch. On the eve of Sunday's game, Hallgrimsson's news conference was cut short after an Israeli reporter alleged that some Irish players had made racist comments during the previous week's victory. The Football Association of Ireland strongly denied the claims and had opened its own investigation into racist abuse directed at its players by some Israel fans in Debrecen.
Hallgrimsson admitted the period had taken a toll and said he had learned a great deal, describing the players as excellent in difficult circumstances. Midfielder Finn Azaz did not feature in either Israel match. Hallgrimsson said Azaz, who has family links to Israel on his mother's side, was not ready to play, noting the squad wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem in both games.
The manager said Azaz deserved credit for remaining in the squad and showing a desire to be part of the team, adding that the situation had tested the player more than anyone else. Asked about Azaz's international future, Hallgrimsson said he hoped the Southampton midfielder would continue and said nothing suggested he would quit.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
