FAI shuts down press conference after repeated questions over alleged monkey chants
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) abruptly ended a press conference ahead of a match against Israel following persistent questioning regarding alleged racist monkey chants directed at Irish players. The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding the upcoming match and the FAI's refusal to engage with the allegations during the media session.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the intersection of international sports, political tensions, and the management of sensitive racial allegations in professional football.
Sat, 03 Oct, 2026 - 19:27 John Fallon Ireland’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s rematch against Israel was ended abruptly after questions about racism from the away team’s media.
Verbals have been traded since last weekend's first encounter in Debrecen, where Ireland prevailed 3-0, with racial incident alleged by both teams.
The FAI are reviewing audio footage arising from complaints by players that Adam Idah and James Abankwah were subjected to monkey chants from the small band of 200 Israel fans at the neutral venue in Hungary.
When the matter was raised by a member of the visiting media in a question to Heimir Hallgrímsson, the FAI presser intervened to restate the denial from the camp, opting to close out the live section of the conference.
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