Bačka Topola: an unusual venue for an Irish 'home' game
The Republic of Ireland's football match against Israel is being held behind closed doors in the remote Serbian town of Bačka Topola. Local residents appear largely unaware of the event, which is being hosted at the TSC Arena.
Why it matters
The choice of venue highlights the logistical and security complexities involved in hosting international sporting events during periods of geopolitical tension.
Bačka Topola, a one hour and 40-minute drive north of the Serbian capital, Belgrade, is an unlikely place to host a competitive international match, especially one as contested as tonight's second Republic of Ireland versus Israel fixture.
The car journey to the small town of about 12,000 inhabitants cuts through flat landscape dotted with small villages.
Not particularly known for its footballing prowess, Bačka Topola is better known in Serbia for a nearby stud farm and a picturesque lake.
But the town also has an impressive, albeit small stadium, the TSC Arena with a capacity of 4,500 seats.
The home of Serbian second division outfit FK TSC, the stadium has also hosted Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv's European 'home' matches in recent years.
That could explain why the FAI opted for this remote town as the venue for tonight's fixture behind closed doors.
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