Republic of Ireland will play second Israel fixture, insists Hallgrimsson
Ireland confirm second Israel game goes ahead
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says the team's second Uefa Nations League game against Israel will go ahead as planned, insisting the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had always intended to play both fixtures.
Speaking before Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin, Hallgrimsson said the squad will fulfil the behind-closed-doors match in Serbia and that he is not aware of any players' meeting called to decide whether to play it.
"The FAI has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention," said Hallgrimsson. "We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games."
Players' vote backed first meeting
The Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday after the players voted to fulfil the fixture. Doubts had emerged on Saturday when the pre-match news conference was postponed by more than five hours because of a squad meeting, before FAI chief executive David Courell said the players' vote passed by a "significant majority".
While fulfilling the game, the Republic of Ireland players did not engage in pre-match formalities, wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.
Both fixtures have faced calls for withdrawal because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The 'Stop The Game' campaign, organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, issued an open letter this week urging the Republic of Ireland to pull out of the second match. Disturbances also marred the squad's most recent home friendly against Qatar in May, when fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch.
Asked about the prospect of protests during Thursday's encounter with Austria, Hallgrimsson said: "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."
Bazunu returns after sitting out Israel games
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel games, saying he felt it "would be wrong to participate". After returning to training ahead of the Austria match, Hallgrimsson praised the Bolton player while hitting out at reported "lies" around his decision.
"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," said Hallgrimsson.
The coach confirmed Luton keeper Josh Keeley will take Bazunu's place in the squad for the second Israel game. "There's been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcome him back and he's taken part, amazing," he added. "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."
Praise for Finn Azaz's 'incredible emotional control'
Hallgrimsson also lauded midfielder Finn Azaz, an unused substitute in Sunday's 3-0 win, who has family links to Israel on his mother's side. The 26-year-old Southampton midfielder drew particular praise for his composure throughout the episode.
"He's been one of the persons I admire the most in how he conducted himself in all of this," said Hallgrimsson. "It is about being a member of a team, so you need to listen to all opinions. To do your thing, to do your work with grace and understanding of all opinions."
Hallgrimsson would not confirm whether Azaz will be selected for the second Israel game, but added: "Talking about walking the extra mile to being a part of a national team, I don't have words to explain to you and you wouldn't understand because inside camp he has so much respect within this group of players."