From BBC Sport · · 1m 30s
Ireland to play Israel in Nations League
Ireland's coach confirms second Israel match proceeds despite protests.
In brief
Ireland's coach confirms second Israel match proceeds despite protests. Republic of Ireland will play Israel in Uefa Nations League game after players voted to fulfill fixture. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Ireland coach confirms match proceeds
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says the team's second Uefa Nations League game against Israel will go ahead as planned.
“The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention”
Players voted to play Israel
Hallgrimsson's side beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday after the Republic of Ireland players voted to fulfil the fixture.
“We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games”
Pressure to withdraw game
The 'Stop The Game' campaign - organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine - issued an open letter this week calling for the Republic of Ireland to pull out of Sunday's behind-closed-doors match in Serbia.
“There's been a lot of lies said around all of this”
Goalkeeper withdraws
On Saturday, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel games, saying he felt it would be wrong to participate.
“Gavin is a great lad. I've always had a good relationship with him and it's probably more tough for him than the other players”
Coach praises goalkeeper
Hallgrimsson praised the Bolton player and the rest of his squad while hitting out at lies that had been reported regarding the goalkeeper's decision.
“I think it shows his character, as well, to be with us, so I want to give him praise for that”
Goalkeeper not consulted
FAI director of football John Martin confirmed Bazunu was not consulted about his feelings towards the Israel fixtures before he made himself unavailable.
“Truthfully, it doesn't appear like anyone spoke to the goalkeepers”
Midfielder praised
Hallgrimsson praised midfielder Finn Azaz, but would not confirm whether he will be selected for the second Israel game after he was an unused substitute in Sunday's 3-0 win.
“He's been one of the persons I admire the most in how he conducted himself in all of this”
In short
Republic of Ireland will play Israel in Uefa Nations League game after players voted to fulfill fixture.
