# Ireland vs Israel: Second game not friendly

> Ireland coach admits Sunday's match with Israel won't be friendly due to Gaza war tensions.
- Title: Ireland vs Israel: Second game not friendly · BBC Sport
- Summary: Ireland coach admits Sunday's match with Israel won't be friendly due to Gaza war tensions. Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says Sunday's second game…
- Keywords: heimir hallgrimsson, ireland, israel, gaza war, nations league, stop the game, aviva stadium, backa topola, sports, Second, game, friendly
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq77075x5xv7o
- Published: 2026-10-03T09:04:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: heimir hallgrimsson, ireland, israel, gaza war, nations league, stop the game, aviva stadium, backa topola, sports
## Ireland coach says second game not friendly
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson admits Sunday's second game against Israel will not be a friendly match due to ongoing Gaza war tensions.

> we have a country 10 times better than theirs
## Israel captain comments on Ireland
Israel captain Manor Solomon said Ireland is a country 10 times better than theirs after their 3-0 win in Hungary.

> we have a country 10 times better than theirs
## Ireland squad fatigue concerns
Hallgrimsson noted fatigue from recent fixtures and the Gaza war impacted Ireland's readiness for Sunday's match.

> it is going to be tricky and challenging for the players to be ready
## Fan protests at Aviva Stadium
The 'Stop The Game' campaign staged protests outside Aviva Stadium before Ireland's draw with Austria, causing brief interruptions.

> we have a country 10 times better than theirs
## Ireland players vote to play
Ireland players voted to play Israel after the FAI chief executive called it a significant majority decision.

> it would be wrong to participate
## Game moved to Backa Topola
Sunday's game moved to TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, amid fan protests over Ireland's fixtures.

> everything about this is strange
## Key takeaway

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says Sunday's second game against Israel will be 'tricky and challenging' amid Gaza war tensions.