Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has acknowledged that the timing of his Hallgrimsson Israel remarks was “not clever” as his team prepares for Nations League matches against Israel.
Hallgrimsson made the comments while discussing the upcoming fixtures and the controversy surrounding Ireland’s decision to play Israel. His earlier remarks about the war in Gaza drew a sharp response from the Israel Football Association.
The Irish manager later said the controversy had taken attention away from Ireland’s opening Nations League match against Kosovo.
Hallgrimsson Says Controversy Distracted From Kosovo Match
Hallgrimsson told reporters that his previous comments had dominated the headlines ahead of the Kosovo game.
He said the team needed to focus on its football and acknowledged that, from a leadership perspective, the timing of his remarks had not been ideal.
Hallgrimsson also thanked those who had supported him during the dispute.
“It’s a tricky time for us,” he said, according to reports.
Israel Football Association Responds
Hallgrimsson had previously said Ireland was not playing “with” genocide but “against” it when discussing the matches with Israel.
The Israel Football Association responded by sharply criticizing the Irish coach. The dispute quickly became part of the wider controversy surrounding the two Nations League fixtures.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin subsequently defended Hallgrimsson. Speaking in New York during the UN General Assembly, Martin described the Israeli association’s response as unacceptable and said Israel should not dismiss international concerns over the Gaza war.
Ireland and Israel to Meet at Neutral Venues
Ireland will face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27. The return fixture will take place in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on October 4.
The Football Association of Ireland moved its designated home match away from Dublin because of security and operational concerns. The return game will be played behind closed doors.
UEFA previously rejected an FAI request to separate Ireland and Israel in future competition draws. UEFA said such decisions depend on several factors, particularly security risks between countries.
Protests Grow Ahead of the Fixtures
The controversy has also triggered protests in Ireland.
More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the Israel matches. Protesters also gathered outside the Irish team’s hotel in Dublin.
In addition, Ireland’s football association previously asked UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from European competitions. UEFA did not accept that request. (apnews.com)
Ireland’s players have also discussed the possibility of taking action before the matches. Captain Dara O’Shea said the squad planned to discuss the issue together and reach a collective decision.
Hallgrimsson Tries to Refocus on Football
For Hallgrimsson, the immediate priority remains Ireland’s Nations League campaign.
The coach now wants his players to concentrate on their upcoming matches rather than the political dispute surrounding them.
However, the controversy is unlikely to disappear quickly. The fixtures have become a major subject of debate in Ireland, while the neutral venues and security measures underline the sensitivity surrounding the games.
