Israeli football controversy “heats up” after protests at Ireland-Qatar match | World Cup 2026 news

Ireland’s soccer match against Qatar was called off by anti-Palestinian protests as pressure mounts on the upcoming game against Israel.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath has warned that the row over the Nations League clash against Israel could escalate after their friendly win over Qatar in Dublin was marred by pro-Palestinian protests.

Ireland are set to host Israel at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on October 4, while the September 27 match designated as Israel’s home match is expected to be played at a neutral venue.

Qatar’s match against Ireland was part of their preparations for this summer’s World Cup, where they begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 13. Ireland failed to qualify for the tournament.

Earlier this month, Ireland’s leading football team joined celebrities in a campaign calling for a boycott of the Israel match, but the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said it would go ahead with the match and refusal to play could result in disciplinary action.

Tennis balls emblazoned with the Palestinian flag were thrown onto the court during a friendly match on Thursday, prompting two stoppages of play, ⁠ and McGrath expects more protests to follow.

“I’m sure it’s going to heat up in the next few months.

“Obviously it’s a unique situation. People (protesters), 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 all that matters.

“Hopefully, the powers above us can fix something or use it for a greater good, I don’t know what the path will be when it burns.

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

In November last year, 93 percent of FAI members voted for its leadership to force UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from European competition.

On Tuesday, the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a protest in the Dail (Irish parliament).

Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is also constantly thinking about the dispute and, ahead of the Qatar game, said his players must “win this battle” against Israel in the upcoming games.

McGrath was strongly encouraged in the matter if he believed a decision would be reached before the match.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” he replied.

“Obviously we touched on this a few days ago, I’m sure it’s burning, it can be taken out of our hands, I don’t know.”