Ireland's clash with Israel thrown into disarray as star REFUSES to play - and 'uncomfortable' team-mates could join him - amid pressure to boycott match after manager said 'we're playing against genocide'

Ireland's upcoming match against Israel has been thrown into disarray after at least one Irish player has refused to play the game, with team-mates reported to be 'uncomfortable' and potentially set to follow suit. The situation has been fuelled by a public petition calling for the match to be boycotted, and Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson drew significant attention after making comments referencing genocide in relation to Israel's conflict with Palestine. The crisis places Hallgrimsson and the Football Association of Ireland in a difficult position ahead of the fixture.