BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountHomeNewsSportBusinessTechnologyHealthCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportBusinessTechnologyHealthCultureArtsTravelEarthAudioVideoLiveClose menu BBC SportMenuHomeWorld CupFootballCricketFormula 1Rugby UTennisGolfCyclingAthleticsMoreA-Z SportsAmerican FootballAthleticsBasketballBoxingCricketCyclingDartsDisability SportFootballFormula 1Gaelic GamesGolfGymnasticsHorse RacingMixed Martial ArtsMotorsportNetballOlympic SportsRugby LeagueRugby UnionSnookerSwimmingTennisFull Sports A-ZMore from SportEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern IrelandNews FeedsHelp & FAQsFootballScores & FixturesTablesWorld CupAll TeamsGossipTransfersTop ScorersWomenEuropeanLeagues & CupsQuizzesMcGrath expects Israel fixtures controversy to 'heat up'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Republic of Ireland fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch during Thursday's game Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects the controversy surrounding the side's upcoming Israel fixtures to "heat up" after Thursday's friendly win over Qatar was disrupted. The Aviva Stadium game - which the Republic of Ireland won 1-0 thanks to Nathan Collins' early header - was twice briefly interrupted in the first half when home fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch. After the game, RTE reported that protesters were ejected from the ground, and McGrath expects more backlash before the Republic of Ireland face Israel in a neutral venue 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 dealt with above us". "I obviously listened to Seamus' interview and I think he was spot on," McGrath told BBC Sport NI. "It's obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it's done in a peaceful way, that's all that matters. "I'm sure it's going to heat up over the next few months. Like I said, we don't want to be put into a position. Hopefully the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I'm not sure what the process will be as it heats up. "At the end of the day, we're footballers and we don't want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to." Republic of Ireland win disrupted by Israel fixture protests Players won't be stopped from taking stand - Collins on Israel fixtures Published2 days ago'We shouldn't be in this position' on Israel games - Coleman Published18 hours agoPressure has grown in Ireland for a boycott of those games because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign having held a protest at the Dáil (Irish parliament) on Tuesday. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed the games will go ahead, with chief executive David Courell saying the governing body had "no choice" and could face "serious consequences" if it pulled out of the games. Earlier this week, Collins said that if individual players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, "we are not going to stand against them", while manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said if protesters "want to destroy the game for us, so be it" after the Qatar game. Asked if there is confidence within the squad about a resolution, McGrath added: "To be honest, I've no idea. "We obviously touched on it a few days, I'm sure as it heats up it might be taken out of our hands, I'm not sure." Emotional Littler underlines greatness after almost quitting Premier League Coming soon: A twisted tale of power, perception and the lies we live by Emotional Littler underlines greatness after almost quitting Premier League French Open men's draw blown wide open - who can capitalise on Sinner exit? Weekly sports quiz: Whose overhead kick is on a new £20 note? Arteta's reboot, banishing 'banter era', and why Arsenal must strengthen again - Kroenke U-turns, tension and trophies - inside 12 glorious months of Glasner How nine teams in Europe affects Premier League - and League Two quartet Travelling solo and sharing rooms – what is life like on tennis’ lower rung? Why Putellas to London City would be biggest signing in WSL history 'He showed why good managers need time' - who are this season's over-achievers? What is going on with Ferrari and will Verstappen quit? F1 Q&A Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
Original Source: BBC Sport
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