Irish PM backs football manager after Israel FA criticism
Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the Israel Football Association's remarks about Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson were 'unacceptable'.
Ireland's prime minister, Michael Martin, defended his country's football manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, following Israel's football federation criticism. Hallgrimsson had sparked controversy with his remarks about playing against genocide before matches against Israel on September 27 and October 4. Martin stated that the Israel Football Association's comments were unacceptable and should be withdrawn.
He emphasized that the world knows and understands the situation in Gaza. The dispute also stems from remarks made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Irish sportspeople have called for a boycott of the matches, and protests are planned across the country. The Football Association of Ireland requested Uefa to suspend Israel from international competition, but their request went unheeded.
Ireland has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause, recognizing a Palestinian state in 2024 and condemning Israel's actions in Gaza.
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