Republic of Ireland v Israel to be played at neutral venueImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium was originally scheduled to host the fixturePublished5 minutes agoThe Football Association of Ireland has verified the Republic of Ireland’s home Nations League fixture with Israel later this year will be held at a neutral venue.The governing body’s board has held meetings in recent weeks to discuss the “operational aspects” of hosting Israel in Dublin on 4 October.On Friday, the FAI stated Uefa approved a request to host the game at a neutral overseas venue and behind closed doors.The sides are also scheduled to meet at a neutral venue for Israel’s home Group B3 match on 27 September.Pressure has grown in Ireland for a boycott of the games because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign having held a protest at the Dáil (Irish parliament) last month.
A ‘Stop The Game’ campaign was launched by the pressure group Irish Sport For Palestine, while May’s 1-0 friendly victory over Qatar at Aviva Stadium was disrupted when tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag were thrown on to the pitch.
Following the Nations League draw in February, the FAI verified it would fulfil the fixtures, with chief executive David Courell saying the governing body had “no choice” and could face “serious consequences” if it pulled out of the games.
Last month, experienced Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman stated the issue “should have been dealt with above us”, while captain Nathan Collins stated that if individual players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, “we are not going to stand against them”.
