Republic of Ireland vs Israel LIVE: Nations League result, latest updates and reaction
Republic of Ireland vs Israel LIVE
Troy Parrott’s first-half penalty was cancelled out after the break as the Republic of Ireland played out a 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel behind closed doors in Serbia. The Republic’s ‘home’ fixture was held on neutral territory at the 4,500-seat TSC arena in Backa Topola, due to “operational challenges that could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil” according to a June Football Association of Ireland (FAI) statement.
Parrott, who has now scored 10 times in his last seven competitive internationals, fired the Republic in front from the spot in the 39th minute before Dor Peretz drew the sides level two minutes after the restart. There was a clash between players as they entered the tunnel at half-time, with both sides lacking a clinical finish.
As in the reverse fixture, a 3-0 win in Hungary, Republic players bowed their heads during the Israel anthem and Kelleher did not shake hands with Peretz, though both exchanged handshakes with officials. Both sides wore black armbands. The Republic’s, the same as in Hungary to acknowledge – as the Football Association of Ireland chief David Courrell explained before that contest – “all lives lost” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Republic of Ireland vs Israel latest news
Live updates
Heated exchange at full time
Players and staff are at each other once more after the full-time whistle goes.
Spoils shared in Serbia.
Ireland staff spat at
Reports claim that a member of Ireland’s backroom staff was spat at by an Israeli player during the scuffle at half time.
Damien Doyle, the fitness coach, alleges that he was spat at as the teams made their way back to the dressing rooms at the interval.
Peretz kisses armband
Peretz kissed his black armband upon celebrating his goal, as he went over to the bench to celebrate with his team-mates and backroom staff. A similar celebration to that of Moylan in the last game.
It’s 1-1, and Israel are level. Dor Peretz equalises after Gloukh’s deflected effort off Scales falls into the stand-in skipper’s path.
Kick off
The second half is underway.
Animosity in tunnel
There was a slight scuffle between players as the two sides headed in for the interval.
The referee was quick to the danger, and told both sets of players to be “be clever, boys, be clever.”
The ‘hosts’ are ahead at half time.
A cagey first 45 minutes, with plenty riding on it on and off the pitch.
What will the second half have in store?
Ireland are in front thanks to Troy Parrott’s penalty.
The former Spurs striker converts from 12 yards after Jimmy Dunne was fouled by Dor Peretz.
Why is this match happening in Serbia?
This match will take place behind closed doors in Serbia with the Irish FA moving the affair to a neutral location as a result of security concerns.