“Ne me touchez pas, ne me touchez pas,” shouted an Israeli journalist on Saturday in Serbia as Ireland’s UEFA Nations League press conference descended into chaos, ending prematurely amid fierce clashes over the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to Agence France-Presse.
The confrontation occurred on Saturday in Serbia ahead of Sunday’s fixture between Ireland and Israel. Tensions flared when a journalist questioned Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson about a flight incident from the previous Wednesday involving a FlyDubai flight from the Emirates to Israel—an event UAE and Israeli authorities classified as a terrorist attack. The journalist asked in English what the coach thought of people whose ideology relies on murder, referencing an incident where someone allegedly attempted to kill 170 Israeli passengers. A press officer immediately cut in, stating they would only answer questions regarding football.
Moments later, a second journalist addressed the Irish coach, alleging that Irish players had referred to Israeli players as monkeys during the match, as detailed by Agence France-Presse. A press attaché instantly interrupted to call the accusation entirely false while pulling the microphone away from the reporter. That physical intervention prompted the journalist to shout, “Ne me touchez pas, ne me touchez pas,” as the Irish delegation abruptly ended the media session.
Tensions and Boycott Threats Stem From September Fixture
The confrontation in Serbia follows weeks of heightened diplomatic and sporting friction between the two nations. Ireland has long maintained support for the Palestinian cause, leading to considerable controversy surrounding the autumn home-and-away fixtures in the UEFA Nations League, as noted by Le Figaro. Ahead of the first match, there were threats of a boycott by Irish players to protest the war led by Israel in Gaza.
That initial encounter eventually took place on September 27 in Debrecen, Hungary, because security conditions prevented Israel from hosting matches on home soil. During the match, which Ireland won 3–0, Irish players wore armbands and deliberately lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Pre-match protocols saw no exchange of pennants and no handshake between team captains, setting a hostile tone for the return leg.
Neutral Venue in Serbia and Diplomatic Fallout
Sunday’s return fixture takes place at Bačka Topola in Serbia after the Irish Federation declined to host the match on home soil due to security concerns, according to Agence France-Presse and Le Figaro. Israeli authorities have sharply criticized the initiatives taken by the Irish team.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar publicly condemned the Irish team’s behavior and political messaging, asserting that Dublin had positioned itself on the “wrong side of History,” as reported by Le Figaro and Bluewin. Meanwhile, Irish coach Hallgrímsson previously suggested that the actions successfully drew global attention to Gaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the match between Ireland and Israel taking place?
The UEFA Nations League fixture is scheduled for Sunday in Bačka Topola, Serbia, after the Irish Federation opted against hosting the game at home for security reasons.
Why was Saturday’s pre-match press conference cut short?
The press conference was ended prematurely after a heated exchange between the Irish delegation and Israeli journalists concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict, player conduct allegations, and an unrelated security incident on a commercial flight.
What happened during the previous meeting between the two national teams?
Ireland defeated Israel 3–0 on September 27 in Debrecen, Hungary. Before kickoff, players wore armbands, avoided handshakes and pennant exchanges, and lowered their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
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