Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson admits Sunday's second game against Israel is "not going to be a friendly" following comments from the latter's camp after last week's match in Hungary.
Having faced calls to boycott the Nations League fixtures because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, the Republic of Ireland did not engage in pre-match formalities and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem in Debrecen. After a 3-0 win, Israel captain Manor Solomon said "we have a country 10 times better than theirs" and "Obviously they hate us. We don't like them."
Following Thursday's 2-2 draw with Austria in Dublin, Hallgrimsson was asked if those comments will make for a tense encounter with Israel in Sunday's behind-closed-doors game in the Serbian town of Backla Topola. "I guess so it's not going to be a friendly," said the 59-year-old coach. He noted fatigue from "everything going on" affected his squad, adding: "It is going to be tricky and challenging for the players to be ready [for Israel], but we will do everything and the medical team will work day and night to get them fit and fresh for that game."
The Israel fixtures have dominated this international window with the Republic of Ireland urged to withdraw by the 'Stop The Game' campaign organised by Irish Sport for Palestine. Protests and a pitch invader disrupted Thursday's game, but Hallgrimsson praised fan support, stating: "It gives us even more pride to play for the country."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing