Hallgrimsson urges Uefa to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has urged UEFA to separate Ireland and Israel in future competitions following a tense 1-1 draw in Serbia. The behind-closed-doors UEFA Nations League match was fraught with political tension, with Hallgrimsson stating that no national team should experience the turmoil his side endured over the two-week international window.

The fixture was marked by multiple controversies, including stadium reports alleging an Israeli player spat on Ireland fitness coach Damien Doyle at half-time. In addition, the Israeli government publicly criticized Irish players for bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem, accusing them of "moral blindness." Pre-match tensions had also led UEFA to ban two Israeli journalists from post-match press conferences.