Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has confirmed his team will play Israel in the UEFA Nations League next Sunday, stressing that he must "focus on football" amid ongoing protests.
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Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in the first leg played last Sunday in Hungary, after turbulent preparations during which the Irish national team voted in favor of playing the match, following the withdrawal of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu one day before the game.
During Sunday's match in Debrecen, Ireland's players wore black armbands in tribute to all those who lost their lives in the Gaza war, and bowed their heads as the Israeli national anthem was played in the nearly empty stadium.
The traditional pre-match handshake between the players did not take place, nor did they exchange commemorative flags.
Ireland will face Austria on Thursday in Dublin, before their scheduled home game against Israel, which will be played behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
Hallgrímsson said at the press conference he held on the eve of Wednesday's match against Austria: "I have to focus on football. I will leave it to others to think about security and other matters."
He added, "I will not allow the outside noise to affect my focus on football. I must leave these matters to others who are in charge of security."
When asked if the players had informed him of another meeting regarding the return match against Israel, he said: "No, they did not."
He added, "Obviously, the Football Association of Ireland said we would play both matches, and we will abide by that. That was our goal when we came to this camp, and it remains our goal."
He stressed: "It was difficult, especially for the players. It was very difficult. As has been the case throughout this camp, we are taking things one day at a time. But the decision to play the two matches has already been made, and we will commit to holding them."
Last year, the Football Association of Ireland asked the European Football Association (UEFA) to suspend Israel’s participation in European competitions, but it failed to garner enough support from European football officials.
It is noted that the Irish Football Association moved the second leg match against Israel from Dublin to Serbia, due to "operational challenges," as described by the association.
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