Hallgrímsson urges Uefa to keep Ireland and Israel apart after controversial Nations League clashes

Ireland manager Hallgrímsson called on Uefa to separate Ireland and Israel in future competitions after two contentious Nations League matches amid political tensions.

Ireland faced Israel twice in a week in the Nations League, drawing 1-1 in Serbia and winning 3-0 in Hungary, with both matches overshadowed by political controversy. Irish players wore black armbands and lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem at both fixtures, while Israeli players did the same to commemorate October 7 victims. Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson told RTÉ that Uefa should intervene to keep the nations apart in future draws, citing the intense pressure and tensions the squad endured during the two-week period.