{
  "id": 11295108,
  "title": "Liam Scales makes Ireland return after sitting out Israel clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/liam-scales-makes-ireland-return-after-sitting-out-israel-clash",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T22:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/liam-scales-makes-ireland-return-222000403.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liam Scales returned to the Ireland starting lineup for Sunday's match against Austria, following his absence from the previous game against Israel. The 28-year-old Celtic defender was a substitute in Ireland's 2-2 draw with Austria in Dublin, coming on as a left centre back in a three-man back line. Scales was substituted after the hour mark alongside teammate Adam Idah, who also left the game at that point. Ireland's 2-0 lead was insufficient, as the Austrians staged a comeback to secure an unexpected draw. It remains to be seen if Scales will feature in the upcoming return leg against Israel, scheduled for Serbia. The Irish players had faced controversy, with some supporting goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and being subjected to taunts from Israeli fans. Scales and Idah allegedly endured racial abuse, though no action was taken due to procedural errors. Scales has made 163 appearances for Celtic, contributing 9 goals and 12 assists since joining from Aberdeen on loan. Despite any shortcomings, he consistently puts in effort and fights for the ball.",
  "summary": "Liam Scales started for Ireland this evening after sitting out the previous game against Israel. The 28-year-old was an unused sub after it was reported that he had made his feelings clear about the f...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "Protesters throw tennis balls, call on Ireland to boycott 2nd match against Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/protesters-throw-tennis-balls-call-on-ireland-to-boycott-2nd-match",
        "published": "2026-10-02T00:56:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}