Micheál Martin backs Hallgrímsson amid Ireland-Israel football dispute

Irish prime minister Micheál Martin has backed Republic of Ireland football manager Heimir Hallgrímsson in his dispute with Israel's football federation over comments about Gaza. According to an Agence France-Presse report published by the Guardian, with contributions from Reuters, Martin called for the federation to withdraw its criticism of the manager as controversy continued over two Nations League fixtures.

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Speaking to reporters in New York, where he was attending the UN general assembly, Martin said the remarks directed at Hallgrímsson were unacceptable. Israel's federation had accused the manager of stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy after he characterised Ireland's forthcoming matches against Israel as playing against genocide. Martin said the manager's comments reflected concern about deaths and destruction in Gaza. Israel rejects allegations that its conduct there amounts to genocide.

Hallgrímsson thanked Martin for his support on Wednesday but acknowledged that his own intervention had diverted attention from Ireland's game against Kosovo on Thursday. He questioned whether drawing that attention had been a wise leadership decision and described the situation facing the team as difficult. His response came as the squad prepared for the Kosovo fixture before the two scheduled meetings with Israel.

The matches against Israel are set for 27 September and 4 October. The first, designated as Israel's home game, will take place at a neutral venue in Debrecen, Hungary. Ireland's designated home fixture on 4 October has been moved from Dublin's Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola in Serbia because of concerns about security and disruption, the report said.

Pressure to boycott the games has also come from within Irish sport. More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter urging the national team not to play the fixtures. Protesters gathered outside the team's hotel in Dublin on Monday, and further demonstrations are planned around the country ahead of the matches, according to the report.

The Football Association of Ireland passed a motion last November asking UEFA to suspend Israel from international competition. The association has nevertheless said it has little choice but to complete the scheduled fixtures because refusing to play could bring sporting and financial penalties. That position leaves the games on the calendar despite the boycott calls, venue change and continuing public dispute.