Republic of Ireland to Play Second Israel Match as Planned

Republic of Ireland's Uefa Nations League match against Israel will proceed as scheduled, according to head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. The team's second fixture against Israel will go ahead despite ongoing calls for withdrawal due to the Israel-Gaza war. The team's previous match against Israel on Sunday, which they won 3-0, was played after the Republic of Ireland players voted to participate.

A campaign named 'Stop The Game,' organized by Irish Sport for Palestine, had urged the Republic of Ireland to withdraw from the fixture in Serbia. However, Hallgrimsson stated that the team's intention remains to fulfill both games against Israel.

"The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention," Hallgrimsson said. "We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games."

Doubts had arisen on Saturday regarding the first Israel game after the team's pre-match press conference was postponed due to a squad meeting. Following the meeting, FAI chief executive David Courell announced that a player vote on participation had passed by a "significant majority."

During the match on Sunday, Republic of Ireland players opted not to engage in pre-match formalities, wore black armbands, and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem. This occurred after fans had previously thrown tennis balls bearing the Palestine flag onto the pitch during a friendly against Qatar in May.

Hallgrimsson expressed his intention to remain focused on the upcoming match against Austria and distance himself from potential protests. "I must focus on football. I will let others think about security and those things. We are playing Austria, the highest-ranked team in the group. I'm not going to allow outside noise to affect me focusing on football."

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had previously made himself unavailable for both Israel games, stating he felt it would be "wrong to participate." However, Bazunu has since returned to training and is available for the match against Austria. Hallgrimsson praised Bazunu and the squad for their handling of the situation, refuting reports he described as "lies."

"Gavin is a great lad. I've always had a good relationship with him and it's probably more tough for him than the other players, but they have really welcomed him," Hallgrimsson said. "There's been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcome him back and he's taken part, amazing. I think it shows his character, as well, to be with us, so I want to give him praise for that. I want to give the players praise for how welcome they have been with him. Life goes on. He is a part of this group and I think that shows how strong the bond is between these players that even a thing like this is not breaking us."

Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley is set to take Bazunu's place in the squad for the second Israel game.