The Israel Football Association has accused Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of “hypocrisy and stupidity” following comments he made regarding the upcoming Nations League fixtures between the two countries. Hallgrimsson had stated, “We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide,” at a squad announcement last week.
In a strong social media response on Monday night, the Israel FA wrote: “Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we’re playing against the coach who embodies them.”
Campaigners have intensified efforts to persuade the Ireland team to boycott Sunday’s opening match in Hungary. An open letter from the Irish Sport for Palestine Group, signed by over 160 Irish sportspeople, urged the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to reconsider its decision to proceed with the games.
Despite these calls, the FAI confirmed last week that it will reluctantly go ahead with Sunday’s game in Debrecen and a “home” game in Serbia on October 4. The FAI stated that Uefa rejected its request to be kept apart from Israel in the draw and that continuing with the fixtures was necessary to avoid “significant and lasting harm.” No tickets will be available to Irish fans for either match.