Ireland match against Israel should go ahead, says Taoiseach

The home fixture is scheduled for Dublin on October 4, but there have been mounting calls for Ireland to opt to have the game hosted at a neutral overseas venue.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Uefa Nations League soccer fixtures between Ireland and Israel this autumn should go ahead despite calls for a boycott.

It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris has dampened down calls for RTÉ not to air the matches, despite the national broadcaster’s decision not to show the Eurovision song contest due to Israel’s participation.

The Republic of Ireland and Israel were drawn in the same pool of the Nations League championship, with the FAI confirming that the matches would be fulfilled. 

However, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men will be allowed to decide whether they want to play.

Ireland will play its away match with Israel on September 27 at a neutral venue outside Israel. 

The home fixture is scheduled for Dublin on October 4, but there have been mounting calls for Ireland to opt to have the game hosted at a neutral overseas venue.

Mr Martin said he believed the FAI had taken the correct decision to fulfil the fixture.

“We hope Ireland does well in the competition. There is a rejuvenation, there is a journey ahead of that Irish team. They have been doing very well so far and we wish them well.” 

Mr Martin pointed out that there is no official boycott of Israel, and Ireland and the international community were now focused on peace in the Middle East.

He said people needed to distinguish between the Israeli people and the actions of the Israeli government.

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“We have been critics and have opposed very strongly Israeli government policy within Gaza in particular. 

"We condemned Hamas’s attack on Israel which was absolutely horrific.

“We’ve also condemned the breaches of international humanitarian law which occurred in Israel’s response to that and the killing of thousands and thousands of innocent people, particularly children, within Gaza.” 

Mr Harris, meanwhile, said RTÉ should air the matches.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said RTÉ should air the matches. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin

“The State broadcaster has a role to play in actually ensuring that the people of Ireland can see their soccer team playing in international competitions,” he said.

“I have very strong views, and I've made my very clear views in relation to the situation in Gaza and the likes.

“But I also, alongside that, support the Ireland soccer team.

"The FAI obviously used the roots within the governance of soccer to express their views in relation to Israel and Israel’s participation.” 

Mr Harris said that he could differentiate “between very important political issues and sport”.