Israel FA hits back at Hallgrimsson over 'genocide' remark

The Israel FA issued a statement in response to the Ireland head coach's comments

During a press conference last week, Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said: 'We are not playing with genocide, we are playing against genocide'. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Tension is building ahead of Sunday’s Uefa Nations League game in Debrecen after Israel took umbrage at Heimir Hallgrímsson’s use of the word 'genocide'.

The Ireland manager made the reference during his squad announcement last week in defending their position to fulfil the two fixtures amid a public backlash.