Israel accuse Ireland manager of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over ‘genocide’ comments

The Israel Football Association accused Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of "hypocrisy and stupidity" after he said his team would be "playing against genocide" in their upcoming Uefa Nations League double header between the two teams.

Ireland have been drawn in the same Nations League group as Israel and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have confirmed that they will fulfill both fixtures despite mounting calls from campaigners to boycott the games, which will be taking place in neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia due to safety concerns. The first game will be held in Hungary on 27 September.

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In comments made over the weekend following the announcement of Ireland's squad, Hallgrimsson admitted that "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games". When asked how his players can focus on the fixtures given the calls to boycott the games back home, Hallgrimsson added: "We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide. We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel."

In a furious response on social media on Monday night, the Israel FA wrote: "We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We're not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we're playing against the coach who embodies them."

The FAI has not responded to the Israel FA's comments.

The Israeli government has vehemently denied the charges of genocide since their retaliation to the October 7 attacks almost three years ago, when about 1,200 people were killed by Hamas and 250 people were taken hostage. Over 70,000 Palestinians have since been killed in the war in Gaza, according to figures used by the United Nations.

The FAI previously said that refusing to play against Israel would have a "profound impact on the whole of Irish football", arguing that forfeiting Nations League points could weaken their chances of qualifying for Euro 2028, when they will be co-hosts, as well as future World Cups.

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The FAI wrote to Uefa last November calling for the immediate suspension of the Israel FA, and has since lodged a request with Uefa to separate the Republic of Ireland from Israel in future draws. The FAI said the request was denied because the two countries have "never been in direct conflict".

A Uefa spokesperson said: "Decisions to avoid certain teams being drawn against each other are made taking into consideration several factors, especially conditions between the two countries leading to structural risks for security. Uefa handles every situation very carefully on its own merits and monitors all facts and developments."

Meanwhile, a group of over 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter issued by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group urging the FAI to reconsider its previous decision to go ahead with the fixtures.

The letter reads: "This is a significant moment and with this moment you have an opportunity to do the right thing. Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do."

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Former Republic star Kevin Kilbane added his voice to the protests, writing in the Irish Times: "Ireland should not be playing Israel. Not in Dublin, not in Hungary, and definitely not a 'home' match in Serbia. Not while Israeli forces are committing genocide.

"We as Irish people could have faced down the consequences together. The FAI would have had my support as a former international."

A group gathered outside the team's hotel in Dublin on Monday evening, urging the FAI to reverse its decision to proceed with the fixture.

Includes reporting from PA

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