Ireland football coach urges players to win this war' against Israel

Ireland will play Israel in home and away Nations League matches, including a Dublin fixture on October 4. Pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football figures have urged the Football Association of Ireland to withdraw from the games. The FAI previously passed a motion in November requesting UEFA suspend Israel from international competition, but UEFA did not act. Renewed protests occurred in the Irish parliament over the fixtures. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the situation is unfair for players and that winning is the best response. He emphasized that players want to represent the country and perform well regardless of the opponent. Israel plans to use a neutral venue for its Nations League match in September 27.

"Ireland are set to play Israel in home and away Nations League matches, but there has been pressure to boycott games. Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has challenged his players to win this war against Israel when the teams meet in the Nations League amid renewed protests in the Irish parliament about the games. The Football Association of Ireland has been under pressure to boycott the two matches, including a home fixture in Dublin on October 4."

"Several pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football figures have urged the federation to withdraw from the fixtures over Israel's conduct during its genocidal war on Gaza. The FAI passed a motion in November requesting that UEFA immediately suspend Israel from international competition, but received no support from European football's governing body. There were new protests at the Dail the Irish parliament on Wednesday over the fixtures."

"I've already expressed my opinion on this matter, you don't need to repeat that one. But from a footballing perspective it's an obstacle I don't like, and it's unfair for the players to be in this position and us to be in this position but from a footballing perspective, I don't like us to be the bad guys. We are not the bad guys here."

"I think the best answer for us is just to win this game, to win this war against them [Israel]. That would be a perfect answer from my end. Other decisions are not made by us, but all the players would like to represent the country and do well for them, no matter who is the opponent."

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