Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson addressed Dara O'Shea's absence due to his wife's impending birth and the strain of the international window during a pre-match conference for Sunday's Nations League game against Israel in Serbia. The mood soured when reporters asked about a co-pilot attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight and alleged racism by Irish players during last Sunday's 3-0 win over Israel in Hungary. Hallgrimsson refused to engage, and FAI head of communications Kieran Crowley ended the conference, calling the allegations "completely untrue".
The controversy follows reports of racist abuse toward striker Adam Idah by Israel fans in Debrecen. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from previous fixtures, while FAI chief executive David Courell confirmed a player vote passed by a "significant majority". Protests occurred during Thursday's 2-2 draw with Austria in Dublin.
Hallgrimsson praised the team's togetherness, saying the bond among players would help them overcome obstacles.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing