Categories
Republic of Ireland denied by Israel in draw
- Republic of Ireland denied by Israel in draw
Republic of Ireland denied by Israel in draw
The players clashed after the full-time whistle [Getty Images]
Troy Parrott's latest international goal was not enough to lift the Republic of Ireland to victory as they were held to a draw by Israel in Sunday's Uefa Nations League game in Serbia.
Parrott put the Republic of Ireland ahead before the break with a well-taken penalty - his fourth goal in three games - after Jimmy Dunne was fouled.
However, Israel captain Dor Peretz earned his side a point when he poked home from close range after Oscar Gloukh's shot deflected off Liam Scales.
Both teams had chances to win the game, which was played behind closed doors at the 4,500-capacity TSC Arena, with Republic of Ireland substitute Chiedozie Ogbene forcing a fine save from Assaf Tzur and Israel twice hitting the woodwork.
Following Kosovo and Austria's draw in Pristina earlier on Sunday, the result leaves the Republic of Ireland third in the group, three points off leaders Austria.
It also marks the end of a challenging international window for the Republic of Ireland, with the Israel fixtures dominating discourse in Irish football.
The fixtures, both played at neutral venues, have been embroiled in controversy since February when the two teams were drawn to play each other in Group B3.
The Republic of Ireland players have faced persistent calls to withdraw from the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war with the "Stop The Game" campaign - organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine - staging protests before and during Thursday's game against Austria in Dublin.
However, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) decided to fulfil the fixtures, with the Republic of Ireland winning last week's game in Hungary 3-0.
Like last week's match in Debrecen, the two teams did not shake hands and the Irish players bowed their heads when Israel's national anthem was played before kick-off in Backa Topola in northern Serbia.
There was also no exchange of pennants or handshake between Republic of Ireland captain Caoimhin Kelleher and Israel skipper Dor Peretz.
The Republic of Ireland again wore black armbands which FAI chief executive David Courell previously said was a gesture "in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict".
Israel also wore black armbands in memory of those who died in the 7 October 2023 attacks.
The Israeli players wore black armbands in memory of those killed on 7 October 2023 [Getty Images]
Tensions between the sides deepened on Saturday when the Republic of Ireland's pre-match news conference was ended abruptly after head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson fielded what he later called a "verbal attack" from Israeli reporters.
The friction was clear as the teams clashed on their way off the pitch at half-time before referee Juan Martinez Munuera intervened.
It came at the end of an opening period largely dominated by the Republic of Ireland.
Having squandered a two-goal lead against Austria, Hallgrimsson's side started with purpose as Adam Idah forced a save from Tzur before Parrott lashed a shot across the face of goal and wide.
Israel showed glimpses of quality in attack, too, with Liel Abada forcing a save by Kelleher - who captained the Irish in Dara O'Shea's absence - at full-stretch.
But the Republic of Ireland gained the upper hand when Dunne went down under Peretz's challenge.
While a corner was initially given, the spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review. Parrott drilled a spot-kick home for his 10th goal in his last seven competitive international games.
However, Israel hit back two minutes after the restart when Peretz benefited from Scales' deflection and steered the ball home. The Maccabi Tel Aviv player removed his black armband - which had the date '7.10' on it - and kissed it during his celebrations.
Israel twice hit the woodwork through Omri Gandleman and Gloukh, while Ogbene forced a fine save from Tzur as both teams were forced to settle for a point.
The two squads clashed as they left the pitch at half-time [Getty Images]
The Republic of Ireland travel to Austria on 14 November before hosting Kosovo (both 19:45 GMT) three days later. Israel face Kosovo and Austria on the same dates.
HomeNewsFinanceSportsMoreMailStory by