Hallgrimsson says Ireland’s international window took a toll

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the international window had taken a toll on his squad after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Israel. “I’m absolutely delighted this is finished,” he said, adding that he hoped no other national team would go through what Ireland had experienced over the previous two weeks. [1]

The draw was played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia. Ireland finished the four-match window with five points from a possible 12, having played only once on Irish soil and travelled about 5,000 miles, according to BBC Sport. [1]

The matches against Israel took place amid calls for a boycott over the Israel-Gaza war. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both games, saying he felt it would be wrong to participate. An Israeli reporter later accused some Irish players of making racist comments during the earlier match; the Football Association of Ireland strongly denied the allegation. The FAI was also investigating racist abuse allegedly directed at its players by some Israel fans in Debrecen. [1]

Midfielder Finn Azaz did not play in either Israel match. Hallgrimsson said Azaz had taken a slight knock against Austria and that the circumstances had also been mentally difficult for him. Azaz has family links to Israel through his mother; the manager said Ireland’s black armbands and decision to look down during Israel’s anthem had made the situation particularly hard for him. [1]