Ireland’s home game against Israel in Nations League to be played at neutral site
DUBLIN: Ireland’s home game against Israel in the Nations League will be played at a neutral site and behind closed doors, the Irish soccer federation confirmed Friday.
The Football Association of Ireland, which faced calls by pro-Palestinian activists for a boycott, said the Oct. 4 game originally scheduled for Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital posed “operational challenges.”
At a recent home friendly against Qatar, Irish activists hurled tennis balls onto the pitch in protest. The balls had “Stop the Game” messages on them, referring to the Nations League matches against Israel.
The Irish federation confirmed that they received UEFA approval to move the October game. A location hasn’t been announced. The teams will also meet on Sept. 27 at a neutral site for Israel’s “home” game.
