Hallgrímsson criticises reporting on Bazunu's withdrawal from Israel Nations League match

Heimir Hallgrímsson, the Republic of Ireland manager, said at a press conference on Wednesday that "a lot of lies" were told about goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's withdrawal from last weekend's Nations League match against Israel. He added he did not anticipate problems with Sunday's second match between the teams going ahead.

Ireland have been one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of Israel's war in Gaza, and protests calling for the team to boycott the fixtures prompted Bazunu to pull out of both games between the two countries. Last Sunday's match, which Ireland won 3-0, went ahead after a majority of the squad voted to play on the eve of the away fixture in Hungary. Media reports afterwards suggested a fractured squad and reported that Bazunu had been insulted by teammates over his decision.

Bazunu is available for Thursday's home game with Austria but will not take part in Sunday’s rematch with Israel, which the Football Association of Ireland has moved to Serbia behind closed doors. The keeper had withdrawn from both Nations League games amid the protests and subsequent debate within the squad. The Ireland camp decided to fulfil the fixtures despite the controversy surrounding the series of matches.

"Gavin is a great lad, I’ve always had a good relationship with him and it’s probably tougher for him than the other players, but they have really welcomed him," Hallgrímsson said. He praised Bazunu’s choice to rejoin the group and highlighted the goalkeeper’s character in returning to the squad. The manager also commended teammates for their reception of Bazunu.

"There’s been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcomed him back and he’s taking part. Amazing, I think it shows his character, as well, to be with us. So I want to give him praise for that. I want to give the players praise for how welcome they have been with him," he added. Hallgrímsson said the situation had not broken the squad’s bond, stating: "Life goes on. He’s a part of this group and I think that shows how strong the bond is between these players that even a thing like this is not breaking us."

Midfielder Finn Azaz, who has deep Israeli heritage, remained on the bench for the win over Israel. When asked whether Azaz would be involved in Sunday’s fixture, Hallgrímsson replied: "We are focusing on this one [against Austria], you can probably ask me that question later on." He also said of Azaz: "Finn has shown incredible emotional control and awareness. He probably is one of the people I admire the most in how he conducted himself in all of this."

Thursday’s game against Austria in Dublin is expected to prompt further protests over Ireland playing Israel. On the subject of security and the scheduling of the matches, Hallgrímsson said: "I am focused on football, I’ll let others think about security." He also cited the FAI's position: "The FAI has said we are playing both games and we will fulfil that. It has been really, really tough, but I surely think that in time we will have seen that we took more right decisions than wrong ones."

Ireland's immediate fixtures are the home match against Austria on Thursday and the relocated, behind-closed-doors rematch with Israel in Serbia on Sunday; the FAI has stated, "we are playing both games and we will fulfil that."