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Ireland manager ends press conference early after ‘verbal attack’ by Israeli journalists – one day before flashpoint second meeting between the two teams in Serbia

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was forced to end his press conference early after his players were accused of using a racist term by an Israeli journalist.

By TAMARA PRENN · Daily Mail

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 2:11 PM

Key Things to Know

Heimir Hallgrimsson's press conference was ended early after an Israeli journalist accused Irish players of racism.
Ireland press officer Kieran Crowley immediately denied the racism allegations as completely untrue.
The FAI launched an internal investigation regarding alleged racist abuse directed at Ireland player Adam Idah by Israeli fans.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson was forced to end his pre-match press conference early in Backa Topola following confrontations with Israeli journalists. One reporter accused Irish players of using a racist term toward Israeli opponents, which Ireland press officer Kieran Crowley forcefully denied as completely untrue. The press briefing was cut short ahead of Sunday's Nations League encounter between the two nations.

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