Hallgrimsson blasts 'a lot of lies' over Bazunu Israel withdrawal coverage

Ireland boss rejects reports of dressing-room rift after Bazunu's Gaza protest withdrawal

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has claimed “a lot of lies” were told about goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu’s decision to withdraw from last weekend’s Nations League clash with Israel — and insisted the squad remains united ahead of Thursday’s meeting with Austria.

Ireland are among Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, and protests calling for the team to boycott the fixture prompted Bazunu to pull out of both games between the two nations. Last Sunday’s match, which Ireland won 3-0, went ahead after a majority of the squad voted to play on the eve of the away fixture in Hungary.

Media reports suggested a fractured squad after the meeting and vote, and alleged that Bazunu had been insulted by teammates over his decision. Hallgrimsson flatly rejected that narrative when he faced reporters on Wednesday.

“Gavin is a great lad, I’ve always had a good relationship with him and it’s probably tougher for him than the other players, but they have really welcomed him,” the manager said. “There’s been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcomed him back and he’s taking 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.”

He added: “Life goes on. He’s 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.”

Bazunu available against Austria but not Serbia

The keeper is available for Thursday’s home game with Austria but will not take part in Sunday’s match, which the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has moved to Serbia behind closed doors.

Midfielder Finn Azaz has also found himself at the centre of attention given his deep Israeli heritage, and he remained on the bench for the win over Israel. Asked whether Azaz would be involved in Sunday’s fixture, Hallgrimsson was non-committal: “We are focusing on this one [against Austria], you can probably ask me that question later on.”

But the manager reserved particular admiration for the 24-year-old’s conduct throughout the saga. “Finn has shown incredible emotional control and awareness,” he said. “He probably is one of the people I admire the most in how he conducted himself in all of this.”

Protests expected to continue

Thursday’s game against Austria in Dublin is expected to bring further protests over Ireland’s decision to play Israel. Hallgrimsson made clear his focus lies solely on the pitch.

“I am focused on football, I’ll let others think about security,” he said. “The FAI has said we are playing both games and we will fulfil that. It has been really, really tough, but I surely think that in time we will have seen that we took more right decisions than wrong ones.”

The manager said he did not anticipate any problems with Sunday’s rearranged fixture going ahead.