'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Ireland v Israel LIVE: Controversial Nations League clash to go ahead in Serbia after calls to boycott
Oct 04 2026 20:18 · By onefootball.com · 12 Reads
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.
Ireland v Israel - live updates
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.
Ireland v Israel
The Republic of Ireland and Israel meet again in another politically-charged Nations League clash.
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)