Irish Journalist's Provocation Attempt Regarding 'Proud of the IDF' Chants Fails

During a press conference for the Israeli national football team on Saturday, an Irish journalist attempted to provoke a reaction by questioning chants of "Proud of the IDF" from the Israeli crowd during a recent match against Ireland. The journalist asked coach Ran Ben Shimon if the Football Association condemned the behavior, referencing a previous statement by Shlomi Barzel, Chairman of the Information Array, that football and politics should be separated.

Initially, Eitan Dotan, from the Association's spokesperson unit, responded, believing the journalist was referring to accusations of racism against the Israeli crowd towards Irish players. Dotan stated that nothing was reported to them and the referee's report was clear, adding that the Association opposes all forms of racism.

Shlomi Barzel interrupted, clarifying the question was about the "Proud of the IDF" chants. He asserted, "We are very proud of the army that defends our country. The army is not part of politics." When the Irish journalist argued that all armies are political, Dotan retorted that an army's purpose is to protect citizens. He urged the journalist to respect the proceedings and ask his question, noting that politics had already been discussed in five previous press conferences.