Update: 'We know the image of Israel. We live with it every day. You as foreigners don’t understand our reality'

Dor Peretz: 'We live this image every day in Israel you as foreigners don’t understand our reality' Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Israel have hit back at misgivings within the Irish camp about fulfilling Sunday’s Uefa Nations League fixture, claiming ‘football has won today’.

Their press conference at the Nagyerdei Stadion on Saturday followed the Irish media briefing delayed by five hours while the players took on ballot on whether to stage a boycott.

Those Irish players, who are understood to have voted in favour by 65%, have decided not to engage in any handshakes or pennant exchange with the Israeli players – both on Sunday and in next week’s rematch in Backa Topola.

Before manager Ran Ben-Shimon and vice-captain Dor Peretz addressed the media, their head of communications Shlomi Barzel read a prepared statement – starting with a sarcastic barb.

“It has been a long day and we are pleased that you are here and the press conference is taking place as scheduled,” it said.

“Football has won today. The separation between football and politics must be maintained, any other approach spells chaos. And a dangerous life, and a slippery slope leading to consequences for the game we all love.

“The FAI and their players did the right thing by recognising this, even if it took a bit longer than it should. Yet, it is better to be late than never.” 

He went on to criticise the campaign groups such as the Stop The Game movement back in Ireland.

Israel Head coach Ran Ben Simon at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen: Better late than never. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

“The one who certainly lost today are those who want to intimidate to separate and turn the football pitch into a political arena,” he said. “Uefa, the IFA and the FAI stood strong together to prevent it.

“We are proud that the opening whistle will be heard tomorrow. We hope this will be the winning side.

“Flags will be raised, anthems will be played and the players and coaches of both teams will shake hands and respect each other. We will definitely do so.

“Although the phrase does not exist in Hebrew ‘let’s play ball.’ He also dealt with their suspended player Sayed Abu Farkhi, who’ll miss Sunday’s game after being sent off in Thursday’s 3-1 defeat in Austria.

Although the 20-year-old goal celebration was deemed provocative, their camp insisted it was meant to be a snooker shot – citing the former world champion from Ireland, Ken Doherty.

“Today officially the Israeli FA filed a complaint to UEFA. We contend that the first yellow card for Sayed Abu Farkhi was incorrect and the second yellow card was a misinterpretation by the match referee.

“Anyone familiar with Abu Farkhi knows his celebration after scoring the equaliser an intimidation of a snooker player, like he legendary Ken Doherty.” 

Peretz, in answer to a question from the Irish Examiner, was adamant their players will attempt to shake hands with the Irish players despite their intention to snub the tradition. “My hand will be out,” said the Maccabi Tel Aviv player.

He also had a message for those players in the Irish camp, understood to be seven, who voted against proceeding with the match.

“We know the image of Israel,” he began. “We live this image every day in Israel you as foreigners don’t understand our reality. If those players want to connect the image, they should read more and visit Israel then can judge and think.”