Hallgrimsson says Republic will ‘focus on football’ and fulfil Israel fixture

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The Stop the Game campaign group has called on fans to meet at the Dublin Arena ahead of the Republic’s home game against Austria tonight, to voice opposition to fixtures which it says help to “sportswash genocide.”

The Republic beat Israel 3-0 in the Nations League at the weekend following a vote by the playing squad on whether to participate in the match, and are ready to face them again in Serbia on Sunday despite an intense debate in the country.

“I must focus on football. I’m going to let others think about security and other things,” Hallgrimsson said in his pre-match press conference.

“I am not going to allow outside noise to affect me focusing on football. I must give those thoughts to others that care of security.”

Asked if players had informed him of another meeting relating to the return match against Israel, he said: “No, they haven’t.

“Obviously the FAI has said that we are playing both the games and we are going to fulfil that. That was our intention when we came into this camp and that is still our intention.

“It’s been tough, especially on the players. It’s been really tough. Like all of this camp we almost take it day by day. [But] that is already decided that we are going to fulfil the games.”

Southampton midfielder Finn Azaz has strong familial links to Israel on his mother’s side and reportedly addressed his team-mates passionately during their deliberations.

He was not selected in the first game against Israel, with Hallgrimsson concluding he was “in a different position to other players” but may come back into consideration against Austria.

Whether or not he features in the trip to Serbia has yet to be decided, but Hallgrimsson spoke in glowing terms about the way the 26-year-old has conducted himself during a trying time.

“Finn has shown incredible emotional control, emotional awareness,” he said.

“He’s been one of the persons I admire the most in the world at this moment … in how he conducted himself in all of this. It’s about being a member of a team so you need to listen to all opinions.

“I don’t have words to explain, you wouldn’t understand. Inside camp, he has so much respect within this group of players. Walking the extra mile to be part of this team is just amazing.”

There was also a message of support for Gavin Bazunu, who chose to opt out of the Israel games on principle. He will remain with the group for the Austria game, with Luton’s Josh Keeley called up to provide cover for the subsequent Israel clash.

“Gavin is a great lad. It’s probably more tough for him than the other players,” said Hallgrimsson.

“There has been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcome him back. He is taking part amazingly. It shows his character as well, to be with us. I want to give him praise for that and the players praise for how welcome they have been with him. I think it shows how strong the bond is between the players. Even a thing like this is not breaking us.”

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