Republic of Ireland news conference ends abruptly amid accusations
A Republic of Ireland football news conference ended abruptly after the manager refused to address questions regarding alleged racism and a separate flight incident. The team is currently preparing for a Nations League match against Israel.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the intersection of international sports, political tensions, and media scrutiny.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Hallgrimsson's side face Israel in Serbia on Sunday after their 3-0 win over the same opposition last week
For more than 11 minutes of Saturday's pre-match news conference, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson fielded questions centred on Sunday's Nations League Group B3 'home' game against Israel in Serbia.
The Icelander revealed that Dara O'Shea - captain in place of the injured Nathan Collins - was not with the squad, as his wife was due to give birth. He may arrive back in Backa Topola prior to Sunday's 19:45 BST kick-off.
Hallgrimsson also gave his thoughts on the strain of this four-game international window and reflected on Thursday's 2-2 draw against Austria .
As the first section of the media conference, which is allowed to be broadcast live, was ending, the mood soured.
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