Ireland encounter with Austria paused by fan protests and pitch invaders over Israel fixtures

Aviva Stadium protest halts play

Thursday's encounter at the Aviva Stadium was paused at the 20-minute mark when fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch.

Several balls featured stickers displaying the Palestinian flag alongside the #StopTheGame hashtag. Following a pitch invasion by a supporter carrying a Palestinian flag, security intervened, and the match eventually resumed. Despite the significant disruptions, Ireland currently lead Austria 2-1 in the second half, with Troy Parrott scoring a first-half brace, including a penalty, before Alexander Prass pulled one back.

Tensions high after Israel victory

The protests follow a highly charged first encounter in Hungary on Sunday, where Ireland secured a 3-0 victory over Israel. The build-up to that match was dominated by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu choosing to withdraw from the squad on ethical grounds. Tensions remained evident on the pitch, as captain Dara O'Shea refused to shake hands with Manor Solomon during the pre-match coin toss.

Furthermore, the Ireland starting lineup visibly snubbed the Israeli national anthem by looking down at the ground while it was played inside the stadium.

Solomon hits out at Ireland

West Ham winger Solomon heavily criticised the Ireland players following the weekend fixture. He said: "They said nonsense during the game, I don't want to talk about them. If I say what I think about them, I'll probably be banned for a few games so I don't want to say. Of course they hate us and we don't like them. I'm already looking forward to the next game against them, it's going to be completely different. What they did with the anthem? I'm not interested in them, we have a country that is 10 times better than theirs, stronger, an amazing country with amazing people. [They] can play all their tricks. We are Israelis and love the country. And that will always be the case."

What next for Ireland and Israel?

Following the disruption in Dublin against Austria, Ireland must quickly shift their focus back to their controversial double-header. The second Nations League match against Israel will take place on Sunday, though it has been moved to Serbia and will be played entirely behind closed doors. Josh Keeley will replace Bazunu for the upcoming fixture.