Protesters halt game as calls grow on Ireland to boycott second Israel game

What the report says

Protesters disrupted the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League match against Austria on Thursday, with tennis balls thrown onto the pitch and a man briefly trying to run on with a Palestinian flag. The stoppage came as pressure intensified in Ireland for the national team and football authorities to boycott the country’s next match against Israel.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, the interruption occurred in the first half after Ireland had taken a 1-0 lead. The game was paused for several minutes before continuing. Separate demonstrations also took place outside the stadium, including actions linked to the “Stop the Game” campaign and the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, both of which oppose Ireland playing Israel.

The article says the dispute centers on Ireland’s remaining Nations League fixture against Israel, scheduled to be played at a neutral venue in Serbia without spectators. The Football Association of Ireland moved the match earlier this year for operational reasons after repeated boycott demands, and had previously backed a motion urging UEFA to suspend Israel from club and international competition.

The wider context is that some Irish players and supporters have argued the fixtures should not go ahead because of Israel’s war in Gaza, while the FAI has said it is concerned about possible UEFA sanctions. The issue has become a public and sporting flashpoint ahead of Ireland’s co-hosting of Euro 2028.