Irish taoiseach Micheal Martin calls Israel FA remarks unacceptable
Irish prime minister Micheal Martin in New York said the Israel Football Association comments about Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson are unacceptable.
Martin responds to Israel FA
The Irish government leader told reporters that the statements should be withdrawn immediately. The Israel Football Association accused the national team coach of ignorance and hypocrisy on social media. Martin noted that United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres also addressed these issues recently.
Hallgrimsson comments spark dispute
The manager stated his team plays against genocide rather than with it before upcoming matches. Heimir Hallgrimsson made these remarks ahead of two Nations League fixtures scheduled for late September and early October. The Israel FA replied by claiming the coach embodies the very traits they criticized.
Fixtures face domestic pressure
More than 160 Irish athletes signed a letter asking the national team to boycott the games. Protesters gathered outside the squad hotel in Dublin while further demonstrations are planned across the country. The Football Association of Ireland previously requested European football officials suspend Israel from international competition.
2 outlets, different leads
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BBC News
Israel FA comments on Hallgrimsson 'unacceptable' - Irish taoiseach Martin
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The Guardian
Ireland manager gets prime minister Martin’s backing in row with Israel over ‘genocide’
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.