From BBC Sport · · 2m
Ireland squad to debate Israel fixture amid boycott calls
Republic of Ireland players will hold a squad meeting to discuss their controversial matches against Israel after Thursday's Kosovo game.
In brief
Republic of Ireland players will hold a squad meeting to discuss their controversial matches against Israel after Thursday's Kosovo game. The Irish squad will collectively decide how to approach the Israel fixtures, with captain Dara O'Shea emphasizing that all players' views will be respected in the discussion…
Ireland faces Israel amid boycott pressure
Republic of Ireland play Kosovo on Thursday before two matches against Israel, with over 160 Irish sportspeople urging the FAI to withdraw due to the Gaza situation.
Squad will meet Friday to discuss
Dara O'Shea says players will hold a meeting after the Kosovo game to openly discuss the Israel fixture and respect each other's views on the contentious matches.
“We've got to respect each other's opinions and each other's views and really sit down and take the time.”
O'Shea captains amid Collins injury
Dara O'Shea will captain Republic of Ireland in the absence of injured Nathan Collins during this international window.
Players staying off social media
The squad has tried to avoid the noise surrounding the fixtures by staying off social media and focusing on the international bubble, O'Shea said.
“The good thing we have as players is when we step into the squad you're in the international bubble straight away.”
Hallgrimsson's comments spark backlash
Israel's FA accused coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of ignorance and hypocrisy after he said Ireland were playing against genocide, not with Israel.
“We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide.”
Coach regrets headline distraction
Hallgrimsson admitted his comments were not clever and took attention away from the Kosovo match, though he expressed gratitude for support received.
“It was not clever from me to take the attention like this.”
FAI decision, not players' choice
O'Shea said the decision to play Israel was made by the FAI, UEFA, and the Government, not the players, though they will discuss their feelings on Friday.
“For us, the decision was made by the FAI, Uefa and the Government. For us as players, that's not our decision.”
Context: October 2023 conflict
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people. Israel's military response in Gaza has killed over 73,000 according to the territory's health ministry.
Women's basketball precedent
In February 2024, Ireland's women's basketball team refused to shake hands with Israel and lined up beside the bench rather than the court centre during their anthem.
What it means
The Irish squad will collectively decide how to approach the Israel fixtures, with captain Dara O'Shea emphasizing that all players' views will be respected in the discussion.
