Ireland-Israel game proceeds after player vote

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson yesterday admitted he regretted his choice of words in comments about Ireland "playing against genocide" in reference to their fixtures against Israel. After the Israel football federation accused Hallgrimsson of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy," the Irish prime minister, Micheál Martin, responded that "Israel can't keep denying what the world knows."

Hallgrimsson clarified he meant "by playing we are not accepting what is happening," adding that players participating "are not supporting or agreeing with anything in Gaza." However, at least one Irish player has announced they will not participate in the fixtures due to "strong faith" and "principles." sos-zagle.org.pl