Hallgrimsson spoke to players individually about Israel games
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says he spoke to players in his Republic of Ireland squad individually about the prospect of facing Israel, adding "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games".
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"none of us feel comfortable playing in these games but once we have decided to play them, we all stick together and play as one."
— Heimir Hallgrimsson , Executive
"Obviously we have different opinions, different strength of opinions."
— Heimir Hallgrimsson , Executive
Key People
Brian Kerr is a former manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team.
Heimir Hallgrimsson is the head coach of the Republic of Ireland national football team.
James McClean is a former Republic of Ireland international footballer.
Tags
All Coverage
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says he spoke to players in his Republic of Ireland squad individually about the prospect of facing Israel, adding "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games".
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Israel FA comments on Hallgrimsson 'unacceptable' - Irish taoiseach Martin
Irish taoiseach Micheal Martin says comments made by the Israel Football Association about the Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson are "unacceptable".
September 22, 2026 at 07:23 PM'It can't be brushed over' - Republic of Ireland squad to discuss Israel games
Dara O'Shea says the Republic of Ireland squad will wait until after Thursday's Kosovo game before discussing how they approach Sunday's contentious fixture against Israel.
September 23, 2026 at 11:20 AMIrish sportspeople urge Republic of Ireland to boycott Israel game
More than 160 Irish sportspeople sign an open letter to urge the Republic of Ireland senior men's team to refuse to participate in their upcoming Nations League games against Israel.
September 21, 2026 at 05:27 PMNeutral venues and no 'away' fans - how Israel v Republic of Ireland became so contentious
BBC Sport explores the backdrop to the Republic of Ireland's matches against Israel, amid fraught tensions between the nations.
September 22, 2026 at 01:16 PMIsrael game should not go ahead - Republic of Ireland's Knight
Jason Knight has become the first Republic of Ireland player to publicly voice his opposition to playing Israel on Sunday.
September 25, 2026 at 10:59 AM'Don't put pressure on us' over Israel games - Republic of Ireland's Ogbene
Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene urges the public to not "put the pressure on us" over the campaign to boycott the upcoming Nations League games against Israel.
September 24, 2026 at 10:03 PM