Micheal Martin: Israel FA comments on Heimir Hallgrimsson are 'unacceptable'

Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin has strongly criticized the Israel Football Association following their public remarks about Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, labeling them "unacceptable" and calling for their withdrawal.

The dispute stems from comments Hallgrimsson made regarding the upcoming Nations League fixtures: "We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide. We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel." The Israel FA subsequently issued a statement on social media accusing the manager of "ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity."

Speaking from the UN General Assembly in New York, Martin defended the manager's sentiment. He stated that the level of destruction in Gaza is widely recognized by the international community and argued that Israel cannot continue to deny these realities. Martin's intervention highlights the growing political pressure surrounding the upcoming matches.

The matches are scheduled to take place at neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia due to the security situation. Public calls for a boycott have gained momentum in Ireland, with over 160 sportspeople signing an open letter urging the Football Association of Ireland to withdraw from the ties.