Manager's genocide comment sparks row

Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson said his team plays against genocide when discussing upcoming Nations League matches against Israel on September 27 and October 4.

“We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide.”

Israel FA fires back with insult

Israel's football body responded on social media, accusing Hallgrimsson of embodying stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy, saying they have not found a cure for such traits.

“We're not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we're playing against the coach who embodies them.”

Over 160 Irish athletes demand boycott

Athletes including Olympian Ciara Mageean and former footballer Louise Quinn signed an open letter urging the FAI, UEFA and Irish government to cancel the Israel fixtures.

“Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do.”

FAI chose to play despite risks

In July, the FAI's General Assembly voted 75 to 32 to proceed with the Israel fixtures, warning that a boycott would cause significant harm and cost 10.3 million euros.

Hallgrimsson uncomfortable with matches

The Ireland manager told players individually about the Israel games and said none of them feel comfortable playing in these fixtures.

Context of the conflict

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people. Israel's military response in Gaza has killed over 70,000 Palestinians according to the UN, though Israel denies genocide allegations.

Protest continues as matches loom

A protest took place at the Ireland team's hotel on Monday evening as pressure to boycott the fixtures builds ahead of the September 27 match in Hungary.