Micheal Martin urges Israel FA to withdraw criticism of Hallgrimsson

Irish prime minister Micheal Martin has called on the Israel Football Association to withdraw its criticism of Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, describing the remarks as unacceptable. BBC Sport reported that Martin spoke to journalists in New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly, following the governing body's response to Hallgrimsson's comments about Gaza.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLnWGIG8IBo

The dispute began after Hallgrimsson spoke last week about Ireland's forthcoming matches against Israel. He characterised the fixtures as playing against genocide, rather than participating alongside it. On Monday, the Israel FA responded on X by accusing the manager of ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity. The Football Association of Ireland had not responded to that message, according to the BBC report.

Martin defended Hallgrimsson's position and said the Israel FA's remarks should be withdrawn. He referred to comments by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres about the scale of death and destruction in Gaza, arguing that Ireland's manager was expressing the same concern. Martin also criticised Israel's response to international understanding of the conflict and its consequences.

Ireland and Israel are scheduled to play twice within a week in the Nations League, with both matches taking place at neutral venues. Israel's designated home fixture is due to be held in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday. The return match is scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, rather than in Ireland.

Pressure for an Irish boycott has also included a protest at the national team's hotel in Dublin on Monday. BBC Sport reported that the demonstration followed an open letter from the Irish Sport for Palestine Group, signed by more than 160 Irish sportspeople. The letter urged the FAI to withdraw from the two fixtures because of the situation in Gaza.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of Israel's military offensive in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly rejected allegations of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, maintaining that its operations have been undertaken in self-defence and comply with international law. Those denials remain distinct from the criticism voiced by Hallgrimsson and Martin.