Israel fans will be present at the home match against the Republic of Ireland next month. The Nations League match takes place on neutral ground in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27. But away fans will not be allowed in the stadium, the Irish Football Association has announced.
Ireland is one of the countries that supports Palestine the most, and to avoid potential trouble, it has decided to organize its home match with Israel on neutral ground. The Ireland – Israel match will take place in Baçka Topola, Serbia, on October 4. No spectators will be allowed in that match.
Kosovo and Austria are also in Group 3 of League B of the Nations League. Israel hosts Kosovo on October 1st, also in Debrecen, Hungary. But there is no announcement whether there will be Kosovo or Israeli fans at that match. However, it is likely that, as for the September 27th Israel-Ireland match, only Israeli supporters will be allowed.
"The Federation appreciates the passion and commitment that Ireland supporters always show when following the team around the world. However, operational challenges and security concerns have led to this decision. The Israel Football Association has confirmed that a small section of its fans will be accommodated for its home match in Debrecen, Hungary," the Football Association of Ireland said in a statement.
The federation has faced calls to boycott both matches with Israel, but in June it said such a move would have a "profound impact on all of Irish football".
Protests against the matches were held in front of the Irish parliament. There were calls for a boycott of the matches with Israel.
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Ireland's friendly match with Qatar in May was interrupted twice when tennis balls with Palestinian flags were thrown onto the pitch. The "Stop the Game" campaign was launched by Irish group Sport for Palestine, the BBC reports.
Kosovo hosts Israel on November 14 at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium in Pristina. The stadium is expected to be packed with spectators.
Kosovo begins its next Nations League campaign with a match against Ireland on September 24, also at "Fadil Vokrri".
