Israeli football team have 'no security concerns on Ireland fixtures'

"We are very happy with the draw and are only concerned with its professional aspects. They are challenging enough. The decision on where Ireland will host its games is its own alone. We have no concerns about arriving in Dublin."

"I'm alarmed, frankly, that the reflex of the government and the Taoiseach was simply to give a Bible to Israel,"

"Israel should be given the red card. That should be absolutely clear, and Ireland should be to the forefront in confronting them for their actions, their genocidal actions in Palestine, not giving them any comfort whatsoever."

"A match between Ireland and Israel is not only a serious political and moral issue but also has safety implications for workers and players which the FAI must consider,"

Ireland will play an away UEFA Nations League match against Israel at a neutral venue on September 27 and will host Israel in Dublin on October 4. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed that both fixtures will be honored despite mounting calls to move the home game to a neutral location or to boycott the fixtures. The Israel Football Association expressed no concerns about traveling to Dublin. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald urged Ireland not to host or participate and called for Israel to be "given the red card" over alleged genocidal actions. The Taoiseach said there were no security concerns, while SIPTU raised safety concerns for workers and players.

Read at Irish Independent