Ireland v Israel LIVE: Controversial Nations League clash to go ahead in Serbia after calls to boycott
Republic of Ireland take on Israel for the second time in a week with the controversial Nations League match to go ahead on neutral ground in Serbia.
Amid calls to boycott one of the most controversial matches in football due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, which led to the ‘Stop The Game’ campaign, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side aim to bounce back after Austria’s late show salvaged a 2-2 draw in Dublin on Thursday.
Ireland won the first clash between the sides 3-0 in Hungary last weekend but it was a contentious contest as Irish players lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem and wore black armbands, while an allegation of racist abuse towards Adam Idah by Israeli fans was not investigated because Uefa’s protocols were not correctly followed.
Ireland, who will be the ‘home’ side this time around, though the match will take place in the Serbian city of Backa Topola, have Troy Parrott in fine form after his stunning opener against Austria in midweek was just the latest sign that the Real Betis forward can lead this Irish team towards a major tournament.
Follow all the action in our live blog below:
Ireland v Israel - live updates
Ireland face Israel in a controversial Nations League rematch, taking place in Backa Topola, Serbia
Kick-off at 7.45pm BST with coverage on Amazon Prime pay-per-view
Ireland won 3-0 last weekend as Irish players wore black armbands and lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem
There was an allegation of racist abuse towards Adam Idah by Israeli fans
Good evening
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Republic of Ireland v Israel.
The two sides meet a week on from a politically-charged 3-0 win for Ireland in their second Nations League clash of this international window.
We’ll have team news and all the latest updates right here.