Ireland’s clash with Austria interrupted by Palestine protests

A pitch invader is removed by security as he unveils a Palestine flag. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

The Republic of Ireland’s home Nations League match with Austria at the Aviva Stadium was interrupted twice in the first half as a result of a protest involving tennis balls followed by a pitch invader.

Just before the 20th minute, a number of tennis balls wrapped in stickers featuring the Palestinian flag and the text “#StopTheGame” were launched onto the pitch from the corner to the right of the Austria goal.

Then, around the 35th minute, a man ran onto the field of play from the opposite side, carrying what appeared to be a Palestinian flag, and was immediately tackled by security and carried off.

The Press Association has contacted the Football Association of Ireland and UEFA for comment.

UEFA’s disciplinary body will assess reports from the match before deciding on any potential next steps.

It has been a tumultuous week for the Republic. Their two Nations League fixtures against Israel have divided opinion in the country, sparking protests, including one which took place pre-match outside the stadium, advertised on social media by a campaign group called Stop the Game.

Players voted last Saturday morning to fulfil the following day’s fixture against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, which they won 3-0.

The Republic’s behind-closed-doors ‘home’ leg in Backa Topola, Serbia, is scheduled for Sunday, and manager Heimir Hallgrimsson on Wednesday confirmed it was their intention to play.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has made himself unavailable for selection for both Israel fixtures, but was included in Hallgrimsson’s squad to face Austria at the Aviva.