FAI cut Ireland press conference short after Israeli journalist's racism claim

The Football Association of Ireland immediately stopped manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s pre-match press conference on Saturday after an Israeli journalist accused Irish players of aiming a racist insult at Israel players during the sides’ last Nations League meeting.

“That is completely untrue,” an FAI communications official replied as the press conference drew to a close. “That is completely untrue. Okay, we’ll finish the press conference there.” The reporter refused to hand over the microphone, replying: “I do my job, my friend. I do my job. You cannot take the microphone from me.”

When told he was “broadcasting a lie”, the reporter said: “They are not lying about it. That is what they said. Don’t touch me, man.” There was no UEFA delegate in the room; one official moved Irish journalists into a separate room. Journalist Gavin Cooney reported “angry confrontations” both in the room and outside.

Earlier in the press conference, held in Serbia ahead of Sunday evening’s return fixture, a different reporter questioned Hallgrimsson about the week’s FlyDubai incident, in which a co-pilot attempted to take control of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. An FAI official confirmed an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at striker Adam Idah remains ongoing.

The backdrop is Ireland’s 3-0 win in Debrecen last week, when Israeli fans were accused of directing racist chants at Idah. UEFA said it could not investigate because the correct reporting protocols were not followed. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will again be absent, having withdrawn from the first fixture.

Sources: SPORTbible, talkSPORT