Ireland boss: Israel games are 'defining moment'

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson described the international break as a 'defining moment' in the team's history following a 1-1 Nations League draw against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia. The behind-closed-doors match was marked by controversy, including a halftime confrontation between the two sets of players and staff, with reports alleging a member of Ireland's backroom staff was spat on by an Israeli player. Ireland players wore black armbands and bowed during the Israeli national anthem to protest actions in Gaza, while Israeli players wore black armbands commemorating the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks.