McGrath expects Israel fixtures controversy to ‘heat up’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Republic of Ireland fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch during Thursday’s gamePublished28 May 2026, 23:24 BSTUpdated 22 minutes agoRepublic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects the controversy surrounding the side’s upcoming Israel fixtures to “heat up” after Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar was disrupted.
The Aviva Stadium game – which the Republic of Ireland won 1-0 thanks to Nathan Collins’ early header – was twice briefly interrupted in the first half when home fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch.
After the game, RTE stated that protesters were ejected from the ground, and McGrath expects more backlash before the Republic of Ireland face Israel in a neutral venue on 27 September and 4 October in Dublin in the Nations League.
Earlier this week, Republic of Ireland stalwart Seamus Coleman stated the situation “should have been dealt with above us”.
“I obviously listened to Seamus’ interview and I think he was spot on,” McGrath told BBC Sport NI.
“It’s obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way, that’s all that matters.
“I’m sure it’s going to heat up over the next few months. Like I stated, we don’t want to be put into a position. Hopefully the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I’m not sure what the process will be as it heats up.
“At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to.”
