Ireland news conference before Israel game cut short amid tensions

BACKA TOPOLA: The Republic of Ireland’s press conference on Saturday on the eve of their second Nations League match against Israel in Serbia was cut short as head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson fielded questions from Israeli journalists. Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary in their first match on Tuesday following a turbulent build-up in which the Irish squad voted to fulfil the fixture despite unease amongst the team over the war in Gaza. During that match the Irish players wore armbands and pointedly lowered their heads while the Israeli national anthem played. There were no handshakes between…