Republic of Ireland v Israel: Jamie McGrath expects protests to ‘heat up’ after Qatar game disrupted

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects protests over the upcoming Israel game to “heat up” after Thursday. Qatar’s friendly win is thwarted..

The Aviva Stadium – where the Republic of Ireland won 1-0 thanks to Nathan Collins’ early header – was twice interrupted in the first half as home fans threw tennis balls emblazoned with Palestinian flags onto the pitch.

After the game, RTE reported that the opposition was kicked out of the ground, and McGrath expects more reaction before the Republic of Ireland face Israel in the neutral ground on 27 September and 4 October in Dublin in the Nations League.

Earlier this week, Republic of Ireland stalwart Seamus Coleman said the situation should have been handled by us.

“I listened to Seamus’ interview and I think he has it,” McGrath told BBC Sport NY.

“It’s a clear exception, the people (the opposition), we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they’re doing, as long as it’s done peacefully, that’s the only issue.

“I’m sure it’s going to heat up in the next few months. Like I said, we don’t want to be pigeonholed. We’re hoping that the powers that be can do something or use it for a greater good. I’m not sure what the process will be when it warms up.”

“At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to get caught up in that, but sometimes we have to.”