Israeli journalists banned from media call after Republic of Ireland match

Two Israeli journalists were banned from the post-match press conference for Ireland v Israel after Saturday's media call descended into chaos.

The media access was cut short after Israeli journalists asked Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson questions about the flydubai incident and alleged racist abuse from Irish players in the first Nations League match between the two countries.

Irish communications officer Kieran Crowley said allegations of racial abuse were "completely untrue" and ended Saturday's press conference.

Hallgrimsson has since called on UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future.

When asked if the two countries should be playing each other again, he told RTE Sport: "No, they shouldn't. That's not ours to decide - that's UEFA who decides that."

He added: "I wouldn't wish any national team to go through what we've gone through in these two weeks, so maybe UEFA just needs to step in and do something."

News that UEFA banned the two reporters came ahead of the second tie between the Republic of Ireland and Israel, which ended 1-1.

The second fixture - held in a neutral venue in Serbia with minimal fans present - once again saw Irish players bow their heads during the Israeli national anthem, wear black armbands to honour all those killed in Gaza, and refuse to shake hands with Israeli players.

Israeli players also wore black armbands, paying tribute to those killed during the October 7 terror attack in 2023.

After kick-off, the first half proceeded mostly without incident until a penalty was given to Ireland 38 minutes in. Troy Parrott scored from the spot to put Ireland in the lead.

At half-time, players could be heard shouting in the tunnel, and staff could be seen converging while the referee blew his whistle.

Israel equalised through an error by Ireland's backline minutes into the second half, with Dor Peretz pouncing to tap the ball in behind.

It marks the end of a contentious spell between the two national teams, with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) requesting UEFA not to draw them against Israel in future games.

During Saturday's press conference, Mr Hallgrimsson was asked a question by an Israeli journalist about the alleged flydubai 'terrorist' attack.

The Israeli journalist asked: "What do you say about the people that you support? Their ideology is based on murder."

Mr Crowley responded: "We're not doing any questions like this today, no. We're doing football questions."

A second Israeli journalist then took the microphone and alleged the Irish players used racially abusive language against their players last Sunday.

Mr Crowley said: "That is completely untrue... That's a lie. You've just broadcast a lie." He then ended the press conference.

Police called

After Saturday's press conference ended, Serbian police were called due to an allegation of assault by an Israeli journalist who had the microphone taken from them by an FAI press officer.

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After reviewing video footage, Sky Sports News understands no further action was taken by police.

Ireland won the first Nations League game between the two countries 3-0 in a near-empty Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is investigating accusations that Israeli fans racially abused goalscorer Adam Idah during the game.

Israeli reports allege that their players were racially abused, but these were not raised during the game.

An investigation into the flydubai incident on Wednesday is still ongoing.

(c) Sky News 2026: Israeli journalists banned from media call after Republic of Ireland match