Key facts
- An Israeli journalist questioned Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson about alleged racist abuse by Irish players.
- The journalist also asked about an incident on a Flydubai flight involving an alleged terrorist act.
- FAI communications manager Kieran Crowley ended the press conference due to non-football-related questions.
- The previous match between Ireland and Israel was played amid protests and calls for a boycott.
- Irish players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the national anthem in the previous match.
A press conference for the Republic of Ireland's football team ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Israel was abruptly ended on Saturday following a heated exchange with an Israeli journalist. The journalist questioned head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson about alleged racist abuse directed at Israeli players during their previous encounter and also inquired about his views on a recent incident on a Flydubai flight.
The Flydubai flight incident, described by the UAE prosecutor general as an attempted terrorist act, involved a co-pilot allegedly attacking the pilot. The journalist sought to link this to the ideology of the people Ireland supports, prompting intervention from the FAI's communications manager, Kieran Crowley.
Crowley stated that only football-related questions would be addressed. However, the journalist persisted, leading Crowley to terminate the conference. The previous match between Ireland and Israel, which Ireland won 3-0, was played in Hungary amidst a tense atmosphere and calls for a boycott. Reports also emerged of Israeli supporters allegedly directing racist chants and military slogans towards Irish players, though they reportedly evaded disciplinary action.