Ireland Coach Regrets Controversial Remarks on Israel

Ireland's national football team coach, Háimír Hallgrímsson, has apologized for his strong remarks about Israel made prior to two Nations League matches between the teams. Hallgrímsson admitted that while he appreciated the support he received, he regretted that his comments became the focus of attention before the game against Kosovo.

Last week, Hallgrímsson stated, "We don't play with genocide, we play against genocide. We play against Israel, we don't play with Israel." These words drew a sharp response from the Israeli Football Association, which called them "stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy." However, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin defended Hallgrímsson, deeming the Israeli association's reaction "unacceptable."

Speaking at a press conference before the match against Kosovo in Pristina, Hallgrímsson addressed the controversy and the support he had received. "We are, of course, grateful for all the support we are getting," he said. "We have created and perhaps taken over the headlines right now, and what I said at the previous press conference took attention away from what is perhaps most important." He added, "We have an important game against Kosovo. That was not the goal, and from a leadership perspective, it was not smart of me to take the attention in this way. I need to be focused on the game, and so do the players."

Irish players are also preparing for how to handle the protocol surrounding the match with Israel. Interim captain Dara O'Shea stated that the players would meet on Friday to discuss the issue, including the possibility of pre-game handshakes. "We spoke earlier in the week that we are going to get together on Friday and discuss it as a group," O'Shea said. "Tomorrow we have a game that we need to focus on first and foremost. I don't think we will do our job properly if we don't give full attention to the game against Kosovo."

O'Shea emphasized that the players do not intend to ignore the issue surrounding the games with Israel. "We need to respect each other's opinions and positions and dedicate time to it, because it is worthy of discussion and it is something that cannot be swept under the rug," he said. "But I do think that any decision we make as players will be made together, with respect for everyone's opinions." The players are aware of protests and opposition to the games against Israel but are trying to distance themselves from public noise to concentrate on their professional task.

Israel is scheduled to "host" Ireland on Sunday in Hungary, with the second match, originally an Irish home game, moved to Bačka Topola, Serbia, on October 4.