Ireland v Israel LIVE: Controversial Nations League clash to go ahead in Serbia after calls to boycott

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Ireland first clash with Israel last week proved controversial
Ireland first clash with Israel last week proved controversial (Reuters)

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:

What happened in last week’s game?

The Irish players were seen looking down at the turf and also held their hands behind their backs during the pre-match anthem, and Irish captain Dara O’Shea approached the center of the field for the pre-match talk with his hands still firmly clasped behind his back.

O’Shea shook hands with the referee and his assistants but there was no attempt to shake the hand of Israel captain Manor Solomon. While Irish national broadcaster RTE opted for reduced coverage.

Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazuno decided Saturday to boycott both of Ireland’s games against Israel because of what he said was his “personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.”

Protesters assembled in Dublin
Protesters assembled in Dublin (Getty)
Flo Clifford4 October 2026 18:30

Why is this game being played in Serbia?

The two teams had been due to meet at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 4 October, but in June Uefa approved a request from the FAI to host the game overseas.

The sides also met at a neutral location, Debrecen, Hungary, for Israel’s ‘home’ match in Group B3 a week earlier.

“Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium,” the FAI said in a statement.

Flo Clifford4 October 2026 18:20

Possible line-ups

Republic of Ireland XI: Kelleher; Egan, O’Shea, Scales; O’Brien, Coventry, Molumby, Manning; Moylan; Idah, Parrott.

Israel XI: Glazer; Stoinov, Nachimas, Shlomo; Khalaily, E. Peretz, D. Peretz, Revivo; Solomon, Gloukh; Turgeman.

Flo Clifford4 October 2026 18:10

Team news

Defender James Abankwah is suspended for the Republic of Ireland, with Heimir Hallgrimsson likely to make changes elsewhere, too. Dara O’Shea’s partner is due to give birth, though he could still feature.

For Israel, Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz has returned to Championship club after suffering a groin injury. Omri Glazer provides an alternative of relative experience.

Flo Clifford4 October 2026 18:05

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game via Amazon Prime Video pay-per-view.

Flo Clifford4 October 2026 18:00

When is Ireland vs Israel?

The Nations League game is due to kick off at 7.45pm BST on Sunday 4 October at TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Flo Clifford4 October 2026 17:55

Ireland v Israel

This encounter takes place in Serbia and comes a week after Ireland’s 3-0 win followed days of doubt over whether their squad would fulfil the fixture.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has insisted that the focus is on football, though his side’s draw over Austria in Dublin on Thursday was briefly disrupted by protestors calling for a boycott of this game.

Israel, meanwhile, drew 0-0 with Kosovo between their two meetings with Ireland.

(AP)
Flo Clifford4 October 2026 17:50

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.

Flo Clifford4 October 2026 17:45
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