Ireland players repeat protest, refuse handshakes, bow heads before 1-1 draw with Israel
Republic of Ireland players staged the same pre-match protest for the second time in a week before their Nations League meeting with Israel, refusing handshakes and bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
Ireland captain Caoimhin Kelleher declined to shake hands with Israel skipper Dor Peretz before kick-off, while the Irish players lowered their heads during the anthem.
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The politically sensitive fixture was played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, after the match was relocated amid pressure surrounding the Ireland-Israel fixtures.
Ireland take lead through Parrott
The opening half produced few clear chances as both teams struggled to settle in an empty stadium.
Israel created the first significant opportunity when Liel Abada forced Kelleher into a smart save, but Ireland gradually grew into the contest.
Adam Idah then tested Israel goalkeeper Assaf Tzur with a dipping effort before Ireland were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
Troy Parrott made no mistake from the spot, drilling his effort past Tzur in the 39th minute to give Ireland a 1-0 lead at the break.
Israel responded quickly after half-time, finding an equaliser just two minutes into the second period.
Oscar Gloukh’s deflected effort fell into the path of Peretz, who reacted quickest to steer the ball home from close range and make it 1-1.
Both sides miss chances to win
The final stages became increasingly open as both teams searched for a decisive goal.
Israel came close when Gloukh and Omri Gandelman struck the woodwork, while Ireland almost snatched the winner through Chiedozie Ogbene.
Tzur produced an excellent save to tip Ogbene’s powerful effort over the crossbar, ensuring the contest ended level.
The result leaves Austria top of Group B3 on eight points, with Kosovo and Ireland both on five. Israel remain bottom with two points.
Ireland and Israel will each face Austria and Kosovo in their remaining fixtures during the next international window, with the results set to determine the final group standings.